Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Cody Martin (groin) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against Sacramento. He's nursing a groin strain and could be out for a second consecutive game. Bryce McGowens took on a starter's role without Martin on Monday versus Chicago, with JT Thor and Nick Smith Jr. logging extra minutes off the bench. McGowens had a poor outing, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Hornets head coach Steve Clifford switch things up on Wednesday if Martin remains unavailable.

Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (back) remains out on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Fantasy managers didn't expect the big man to be out this long. However, he'll now miss his 15th consecutive game. Unfortunately, Williams will miss more time because of the back contusion, meaning Nick Richards will remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. The 26-year-old has played well in his 15 appearances as a starter this season, averaging 8.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. With production like that, Richards should be featured in all fantasy lineups, especially for category managers looking for boards and swats.

The Charlotte Hornets have ruled out guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) for Wednesday's contest versus the Sacramento Kings. After fully practicing on Sunday, Ball is inching closer to a return from a sprained right ankle that he suffered on Nov. 28. The Hornets will hit the road for a three-game trip starting on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs, which marks Ball's next shot to suit up. The 22-year-old star playmaker is notching 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.5 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals per game. A direct beneficiary of Ball's absence has not presented itself, with head coach Steve Clifford shuffling various names in and out of his starting five while also missing Frank Ntilikina (tibia). Besides Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller have received more offensive responsibilities.

Dallas Mavericks forward Grant Williams (ankle) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Williams made his return to the court on Sunday and played 20 minutes off the bench in that contest. It's worth noting that Dereck Lively II (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game. That could mean more playing time for Williams, but Dwight Powell will probably benefit the most here. Williams should remain a possible streaming option in deep leagues.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is in the final phase of his rehabilitation after slowly ramping up his individual activity over the last five weeks and focusing on conditioning, and he could be back in the team's lineup soon. Ball was a full participant in Sunday's practice and did some five-on-five scrimmaging, indicating that he's on the mend with a sprained right ankle that's sidelined him since Nov. 28. It's shaping up as another lost season for the 8-25 Hornets, so while they miss Ball's 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.5 threes, and 1.4 steals per game, they are unlikely to hurry the 22-year-old All-Star back into the fray. Terry Rozier will continue to orchestrate Charlotte's offense in his stead, averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 assists, 3.0 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals in 16 games without Ball in 2023-24.