Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight? Exploring Hornets star's availability vs Cavaliers (Dec. 7) | 2024-25 NBA season
LaMelo Ball will not play for the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a left calf strain. Melo suffered the injury on Nov. 27 in the Hornets’ 98-94 loss to the Miami Heat. Ball’s team announced a few days later that he would have a re-evaluation after two weeks.
The star point guard's injury has been heavily felt by the Hornets. They are 0-4 in the games he sat out, including a 125-101 beatdown at the hands of the New York Knicks on Thursday.
Without the 2021 Rookie of the Year winner, the Hornets will be heavy underdogs when they host the red-hot Cavaliers.
What happened to LaMelo Ball?
LaMelo Ball reportedly suffered the injury in the final sequence of the Hornets-Heat game. Following Kel’el Ware’s free throws that gave the Heat a 98-94 lead with 4.1 seconds remaining, Charlotte inbounded the ball. Ball, chased by Tyler Herro, slipped as he tried to get the pass from Cody Martin.
Melo grimaced and limped after trying to shake off the pain. The following day, the Hornets reported that he was out for their game against the New York Knicks due to left calf soreness. Just hours before tip-off, the team announced that he had suffered a left calf strain, which would sideline him for at least two weeks.
When will LaMelo Ball return?
The projected two-week off could see the former All-Star return on Dec. 19 against the Washington Wizards. If he does not suffer any setback and gets the green light to play after the re-evaluation, he could suit up for the Charlotte Hornets in the said game.
If the training staff hold him out, LaMelo Ball could return on Dec. 20, the second night of a back-to-back set for the Hornets. Ball could be available when his team visits the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Hornets’ No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA draft is having an impressive season
LaMelo Ball is having an impressive season for the Charlotte Hornets. After playing 58 games in two seasons because of ankle injuries, the former Chino Hills is back to his All-Star form. He has played 18 games this season and is averaging a career-high 31.1 on 34.1 minutes per game.
Ball also contributes 6.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals per contest. More than the numbers, his confidence has rubbed off on his teammates. The Hornets are again playing thrilling, up-tempo basketball with the electric point guard running the show.