Charlotte Hornets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) will require surgery to address a right ankle impingement and will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He will also undergo "a minor procedure on his right wrist." The 2020 No. 3 overall pick played well this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. However. Ball will finish the year having logged only 47 games after appearing in 22 contests in 2023-24. Without question, he is an MVP-caliber player when healthy. But, based on Ball's inability to stay healthy, fantasy managers should consider other options heading into next season. In the meantime, KJ Simpson will likely work his way into the starting lineup, with the 22-year-old averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in five starts this season.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't play on Friday versus the Raptors. Statistically, Ball has had a fantastic season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points with 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. However, as has been the case over the years, he has been limited by injuries, appearing in only 47 games. The Hornets can't make the playoffs, and with only 10 games remaining on the schedule, Ball may not be on the floor for most (if not all) of them. As such, Damion Baugh, assuming he gets called up from the G League, may find his way back into the starting lineup, with the 24-year-old averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in two starts this season. KJ Simpson also has a chance to roll with the first five, with Miles Bridges and Mark Williams the favorites to lead the way offensively no matter who takes over at the one.

On Friday, Charlotte Hornets centerMark Williams(foot) won't play against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Due to left foot injury management, Williams will be out of action for the second leg of a back-to-back set. The big man finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks across 31 minutes in a 115-98 victory over the Knicks on Wednesday. His next chance to suit up is Sunday against the Heat. Jusuf Nurkicand Moussa Diabate should fill the void at the center with Williams on the shelf.