Charlotte Hornets are facing a major injury concern in form of LaMelo Ball. LaMelo fractured his right ankle during the last game against the Detroit Pistons. The injury came in the third quarter, with the Hornets leading the game with double digits. They clung on to win the game 117-106, which makes it a 5-game win streak. Despite the positivity, the fans were concerned about the extent of Ball’s injury.
LaMelo is an exciting young player in the NBA, which saw him earn his first NBA All-Star selection last season. However, just like his brother Lonzo Ball, he will also be sidelined due to an injury. This has earned him a reputation for becoming an injury-prone player. In the preseason he injured his shoulder, which saw him miss 13 games. After coming back from the injury he played 3 games before he picked up an ankle injury.
However, Monday night’s injury is his 3rd this season which will again sideline him. He sustained the injury without any contact from the opposing player. Pistons guard Killian Hayes guarded LaMelo, however, LaMelo created space for himself. In the process of which he appeared to have suffered an ankle fracture, as a result of putting too much weight on his right ankle. He fell on the floor and instantly grabbed his ankles.
LaMelo left the game after suffering a non-contact injury on this play pic.twitter.com/SdWDNIRSfK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 28, 2023
Despite LaMelo walking out of the court after sustaining the injury, the Hornets kept their composure. They now have a 5-game win streak, however, it may break when they face the Phoenix Suns in their next game.
LaMelo Ball is set to miss the remainder of the 2022-23 NBA season
There is nothing much that the Hornets can do to get LaMelo Back on the court after his fracture. “It’s just a basketball ankle, and there is nothing that you can do about that.” Said Steve Clifford, Hornets head coach. However, reports have come in, and Shams Charania of The Athletic has confirmed his absence on Twitter. “LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season,” said Charania.
Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball will miss the remainder of the season with his fractured right ankle, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Ball has had multiple left ankle sprains this season before suffering the right ankle fracture on Monday night.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2023
This is not a good look for the Hornets, who just got to finding their rhythm and now facing a huge concern. LaMelo Ball will not with his team for the remainder of the season. The Hornets may have just lost the season complete with a long injury timeline. Ball averaged 23.3 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds, something which the Hornets will be missing in the crucial second half of the season.
