The Charlotte Hornets open the 2022-23 NBA season on Wednesday, Oct. 19 against the San Antonio Spurs, but they will likely be without their best player, All-Star guard LaMelo Ball.
Ball, who suffered a sprain ankle in the preseason on a drive to the basket, is "doubtful" for the team's game on Wednesday.
LaMelo Ball ankle injury heres the video is anyone needs it. pic.twitter.com/zm2ejT43Fj
— Sports Man 🎃 (@SportsM83105469) October 11, 2022
The Hornets have been decimated this offseason, as Miles Bridges, James Bouknight and Montrezl Harrell were all arrested. Bridges is no longer with the team, and now with Ball out the Hornets are down two of their leading scorers from last season.
Latest Injury Update for LaMelo Ball
Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said that Ball is "highly doubtful" to play in the team's season opener.
Steve Clifford said after practice today that LaMelo Ball is "highly doubtful" to play in the regular season opener on Wednesday in San Antonio
— Sam Perley (@sam_perley) October 17, 2022
Adds his projected starters would be Rozier, Oubre, Hayward, Washington and Plumlee
This makes sense, as the original timeline for Ball's injury was 1-2 weeks back on Oct. 11. That would put him around Oct. 25 for a potential return to the floor.
INJURY UPDATE: The results of @hornets guard LaMelo Ball’s MRI confirmed the initial diagnosis of a L ankle sprain. His return to full basketball activities will be determined by his response to rehab and treatment and further updates on his status will be provided as appropriate https://t.co/c70iE0k8X7
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 11, 2022
Charlotte's odds to win the NBA Finals have dropped to +24000 at FanDuel Sportsbook, and they have a projected win total of just 33.5 this season.
It's hard to see the Hornets back in the play-in picture with their roster this season, and if Ball misses an extended period of time to start they season, they'll be facing a major uphill battle to even reach this win total.
Last season, Ball made his first All-Star team averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc. It was a solid follow up to his Rookie of the Year season the previous year.
Charlotte needs ball back in the lineup if it wants any chance of exceeding expectations this season.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.