Charlotte Hornets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers center Mark Williamsis currently listed as questionable ahead of Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Williams was dealt from the Charlotte Hornets to the Lakers on Thursday in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and two draft picks. It sounds like the trade is still pending, so fantasy managers might have to wait for his Lakers debut. Once active, Williams figures to be a must-start in fantasy leagues with Anthony Davis no longer in Los Angeles. If he sits Saturday, Jaxson Hayes figures to get the start at center, which gives him low-end streaming appeal.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) will return to the court on Friday against the San Antonio Spurs. Charlotte's star guard is back after missing five games with a left ankle sprain. His return will likely bump KJ Simpson back to the bench. Ball should thrive in a matchup against an up-tempo team like the Spurs. He has averaged 28.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.4 steals for the season.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) resumed on-court activities earlier in the week and has since been listed as questionable for Friday's matchup with the San Antonio Spurs. Ball has missed the last five games with a left ankle sprain. If he returns on Friday, he'll be alongside a different-looking supporting cast after the trade deadline festivities. On the other hand, if Ball can't suit up just yet, Nick Smith Jr. and KJ Simpson would be in line for streaming consideration. Smith posted 23 points, two rebounds, and two assists in their last game on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard/forward Dalton Knecht, forward Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap. After sending Anthony Davis to Dallas, the Lakers needed to add some frontcourt talent before the trade deadline, and Williams looks like a terrific pickup on paper. The 23-year-old is in the midst of a career year, averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 26.0 minutes. After a foot injury delayed his season debut until December, Williams has bagged eight double-doubles in 23 games. With savvy playmakers like Luka Doncic and LeBron James next to him, Williams appears poised for a productive spell in L.A.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) will remain out on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks but is making progress. The team has announced that Ball has returned to on-court activity. It's an encouraging update, although it remains unclear when Ball will be back in game shape. With Vasilije Micic (ankle) now also battling an injury, KJ Simpson and Nick Smith Jr. must do a lot more for the team. The latter has finished among Charlotte's top scorers in back-to-back games, averaging 21.5 points.