LaMelo Ball DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (rest, ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Ball figures to be back in action after sitting out of Thursday's contest which was the second game of a back-to-back set. The Hornets aren't playing for anything this season, so it appears they'll continue resting their franchise guard in one leg of back-to-back contests. Fantasy managers should expect Ball to be a full-go for Saturday's game. Elfrid Payton finished with zero points, two rebounds, and three assists in 16 minutes of action during a spot start on Thursday. He figures to resume his rotational role behind Ball on Saturday.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (right ankle injury management) will not play on the second night of a back-to-back set for the Hornets this Thursday night when the Hornets take on the Nuggets. Ball played 33 minutes on Wednesday and had 27 points, six assists, and five rebounds against the Lakers. After he sits out on Thursday, his next chance to play will be Saturday in Portland. Mark Williams (conditioning) is also out, so there will be plenty of work for KJ Simpson, Elfrid Payton, Nick Smith, and Seth Curry in the backcourt while Jusuf Nurkic and Moussa Diabate will pick up work in place of Williams.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. As expected, Ball is back in action after missing the final game before the All-Star break. He's not expected to have any limitations which means Elfrid Payton is going to see a reduced role. Payton made a spot-start for Ball during the final game before the break. The assumption is that Payton is going to come off the bench as the primary backup to Ball. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Ball in their lineups ahead of tip-off.