Charlotte Hornets DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

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.

Charlotte Hornets guardLaMelo Ball(ankle) will be out of action for Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ball will sit out the second half of back-to-back games for right ankle injury management. The 23-year-old is coming out of a 25-point effort where he also logged five rebounds and eight assists in 28 minutes during Thursday's 115-98 win over the Knicks. The Hornets will have several holes in their roster for this evening due to injuries, meaning Nick Smith,Josh Green, and DaQuan Jeffries could see expanded roles. Unfortunately, these three players won't make much of an impact on fantasy during tonight's matchup.

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (illness) will play on Thursday versus the New York Knicks. He wasn't available for Tuesday's loss to the Hawks, allowing DaQuan Jeffries to slide into the starting lineup. He played well, amassing a team-high 19 points (tied) with five boards and two blocks. While Jeffries could see some work on Thursday night, he'll have a difficult time staying as productive with Bridges and LaMelo Ball (wrist) in the equation.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (wrist) is good to go for Thursday's matchup with the Knicks. He wasn't available for Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. As a result, Damion Baugh entered the starting lineup and finished with 11 points, nine boards, five assists, and one steal. But with Ball and Miles Bridges (illness) cleared to suit up, Baugh will lose most of his fantasy appeal. On the other hand, Ball is a must-start in any fantasy setup.