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.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) and center Mark Williams (back) remain without definitive return timetables. Head coach Steve Clifford says Ball is "working hard with his treatment", but ClutchPoints.com's Tomer Azarly reports that Ball has yet to take contact. Clifford relayed Tuesday that Williams "did more than he's done for a while" at morning shootaround. Ball is probably a bit further away from returning than Williams, since he is dealing with a sprained right ankle that's shelved him since Nov. 28. The 7-21 Hornets miss Ball's 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.5 threes, and 1.4 steals per night, but they're not going to rush their All-Star guard back. Terry Rozier will continue to command the offense. Williams' lower back contusion has cost him nine of Charlotte's last 10 dates, and he hopes to return on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Nick Richards has held down the fort at the five in Williams' stead.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (foot) is reportedly making progress and has shed his walking boot. The star guard is expected to be re-evaluated this week. He still has a noticeable limp, but appears to be making progress from his right ankle sprain. Possibly, Ball is able to return at the end of this week or early next week. Fantasy managers should have another update on his status after he gets re-evaluated.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) suffered an injury during Sunday's game versus the Orlando Magic. It was later revealed that Ball has been diagnosed with a right ankle sprain. The team plans to shut Ball down and re-evaluate him in one week. This is a tough break for the Hornets, but hopefully they will get Ball back in early December. Until then, Terry Rozier should see extended run in the rotation. Also, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller should see more scoring chances with Ball unavailable.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has sustained a significant sprain in his right ankle and is expected to miss extended time. Tests have revealed that Ball has avoided a fracture in the ankle, which required season-ending surgery late during the 2022-23 season, and The Athletic's Shams Charania reports that a cautious approach is likely. Ball just can't catch a break when it comes to ankle issues, which held him to just 36 games a year ago. The 5-10 Hornets are going to sorely miss Ball's elite playmaking for however long he needs to be sidelined. The 22-year-old All-Star was offering third-round fantasy figures this year, piling up 24.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.5 threes, and 1.4 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. More ball-handling responsibilities will be put on the plates of Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and Miles Bridges, while it's set to be wheels up in fantasy for No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, who should be rostered in all leagues for the time being.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Tuesday's In-Season Tournament game against the New York Knicks. A right ankle strain forced Ball from Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic after 15 minutes of court time. Ball has a concerning history of ankle injuries, limiting him to just 36 games a year ago. He fractured his right ankle on Feb. 27, which subsequently cost him the remainder of the 2022-23 season. Fantasy managers hope that Ball isn't facing an extended absence, but his return timetable remains in the dark as it stands. The 22-year-old star playmaker is returning third-round fantasy numbers this season, amassing 24.7 points, 8.2 dimes, 3.5 treys, and 1.4 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. Charlotte plays again on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets, while head coach Steve Clifford's tight rotation should allow 2023 No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller to experience the most substantial boost in value amid Ball's absence.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks due to his ankle sprain that he suffered in the last game. He had to leave their contest on Sunday in the second quarter after hurting his ankle again. His timetable should be monitored since he has had issues with his ankles over the last few seasons. If he doesn't suit up, Terry Rozier will take over a lot of the usage while Brandon Miller will likely see added opportunities as well.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) left Sunday night's game against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter due to a right ankle sprain and the team said that he will not return. Brandon Miller started the second half with Ball sidelined. This could be worrisome news since ankle sprains and injuries were what kept him out for over half of last season. Fantasy managers will want to stay tuned for any updates after he's further evaluated after the game. In the short term, Terry Rozier will get a big boost in usage.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball scored 30-plus points in a fourth consecutive game and had 13 assists as the team was able to sneak past Washington 117-114 on Wednesday. He shot below 42 percent from the field, going 6-for-16, but Ball dropped six three-point bombs on the Wizards for a 34-point outing. Ball's line also included eight rebounds and one steal in 40 minutes. It's been lift-off for Ball ever since Terry Rozier (groin) went down, and he should continue to post big numbers even when Rozier eventually returns.

Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford says guard LaMelo Ball isn't going to play 35 or 36 minutes, "but he could play 30" in Wednesday's regular-season opener versus the Atlanta Hawks. While that's not a severe restriction, it could affect the DFS field's perception of Ball's prospects on the 12-game slate. It's also a bit of a bummer for those targeting the 22-year-old All-Star in what shapes up to be a very fast-paced game environment. Season-long fantasy managers are obviously setting and forgetting Ball, who played in all four preseason games, in their daily lineups without hesitation. The former Rookie of the Year was held to 36 games in 2022-23 due to numerous ankle injuries, but he's got a clean bill of health to start the upcoming campaign as Charlotte's clear-cut franchise centerpiece.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is fully healed from offseason ankle surgery, according to the team's president of basketball operations and general manager Mitch Kupchak. "To have a player of LaMelo's caliber with his game, with his youth, we know he is going to get better as a player," Kupchak said in an interview with Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. "He's here every day. He certainly had a setback last year, but in terms of healing, he's been 100% healed and he's been on the court working out every single day trying to get better." Ball made only 36 appearances due to ankle troubles last season. He's gotten better with each season in the league, and we can expect Charlotte's rising star to take another step forward in 2023-24 after averaging 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 8.4 assists last term.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) agreed to a five-year designated rookie max extension on Saturday that could pay him up to $260 million. The 21-year-old has averaged 19.4 points, 7.3 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals since entering the league in 2020. However, he was limited to 36 games last season because of an ankle injury, which resulted in surgery this offseason. Fortunately, Ball is moving in the right direction, so he could be a top-10 fantasy option if he stays healthy during the 2023-24 campaign.

According to Hornets president of basketball operations/general manager Mitch Kupchak, guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is right on schedule regarding his rehab after undergoing surgery in March to repair a fracture. "The bone was probably 100% six weeks ago," Kupchak said. "In terms of MRIs and X-rays, it's 100% healed." The 2020 No. 3 overall pick was also praised because of the work he's put in at the team facility this offseason, something he didn't do as frequently in the past. That said, Ball, who has averaged 19.4 points, 7.3 assists, 6.4 assists, and 1.5 steals during his career, can be a top-10 fantasy option. However, he'll need to stay healthy, which has been an issue in the past.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is "likely" to sign a contract extension with the team following the NBA Draft, per Bobby Marks. The 21-year-old Ball is coming off an injury-riddled campaign, limited to just 36 games by lingering ankle injuries. He remains the obvious franchise cornerstone player, however, after putting up 23.3 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game for the Hornets during the 2022-2023 season. The former Rookie of the Year has just one year remaining on his team-friendly rookie deal, so Charlotte might want to get a move on in locking up the star playmaker before long.

Basketball is a fast-paced game. While the court's dimensions are smaller than baseball and football fields, there is no room to relax because players must exert effort on offense and defense. NBA's Advanced Stats reveal that LaMelo Ball trumps other ballers in the distance covered, averaging 2.77 miles per game. Fred VanVleet is not far behind at 2.76.Therefore, basketball players must be in good condition to render significant minutes. Conversely, injuries are also a dime a dozen because of the extensive regular season. Failing to stay in shape could mean reduced playing time or an abrupt end to their career. But at some point, Father Time wins, no matter how much a player wants to delay the inevitable.These players have rendered extensive NBA careers but are far from the peak of their capabilities. Sadly, retirement after the 2022-23 season is a strong possibility because they are not steady contributors anymore or hardly step into the court. However, their younger teammates should pick their brains and learn from their limitless wisdom. 

Thaddeus Young

Young won the NBA Hustle Award during the 2020-21 season thanks to his accumulated hustle stats like taking screens and diving for loose balls. But that recognition is a nice consolation for a man who nearly averaged a double-double (15.1 points, nine rebounds) for the 2015-16 season with the Brooklyn Nets.https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1612227070108516355The 16-year veteran has been touted as a do-it-all player on both ends. Unfortunately, his production has significantly dropped in his second season with the Toronto Raptors. He is averaging only 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game through March 11. He hasn't played since, even if he is on the active roster, because of ... [More]

Basketball is a fast-paced game. While the court's dimensions are smaller than baseball and football fields, there is no room to relax because players must exert effort on offense and defense. NBA's Advanced Stats reveal that LaMelo Ball trumps other ballers in the distance covered, averaging 2.77 miles per game. Fred VanVleet is not far behind at 2.76.Therefore, basketball players must be in good condition to render significant minutes. Conversely, injuries are also a dime a dozen because of the extensive regular season. Failing to stay in shape could mean reduced playing time or an abrupt end to their career. But at some point, Father Time wins, no matter how much a player wants to delay the inevitable.These players have rendered extensive NBA careers but are far from the peak of their capabilities. Sadly, retirement after the 2022-23 season is a strong possibility because they are not steady contributors anymore or hardly step into the court. However, their younger teammates should pick their brains and learn from their limitless wisdom. 

Thaddeus Young

Young won the NBA Hustle Award during the 2020-21 season thanks to his accumulated hustle stats like taking screens and diving for loose balls. But that recognition is a nice consolation for a man who nearly averaged a double-double (15.1 points, nine rebounds) for the 2015-16 season with the Brooklyn Nets.https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1612227070108516355The 16-year veteran has been touted as a do-it-all player on both ends. Unfortunately, his production has significantly dropped in his second season with the Toronto Raptors. He is averaging only 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game through March 11. He hasn't played since, even if he is on the active roster, because of ... [More]

On Tuesday, the Charlotte Hornets made it official when they shut down their star guard LaMelo Ball for the remainder of the 2022-2023 NBA season.Many fantasy managers' worst fears were realized when Ball's non-contact injury in Monday night's game against Detroit turned out to be a fractured ankle. Charlotte's season was already lost, but fantasy managers were hoping to get a few more weeks from Ball who, when healthy, was putting up huge numbers this season.To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

2022-2023 Season Recap

LaMelo Ball will finish his third NBA season with the following numbers.23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 4.0 3PM, 1.3 STL, 0.3 BLK, 3.6 TO, 41.1% FG%, 83.6% FT%He played in only 36 games this year and is currently 32nd overall in per-game value for 9-cat in Basketball Monster's player ratings.When he was on the floor, he was a triple-double threat on a nightly basis. His talent is undeniable. Just look at what he did to the Spurs only a few weeks before getting hurt.

Highlights LaMelo Ball Spurs ... [More]

LeBron James has dominated the National Basketball Association since entering the league straight from high school. He's won numerous awards and has led several teams to an NBA Championship. During the 2022-23 season, the Akron, Ohio, native continued to get it done, despite battling several nagging ailments along the way.However, James' latest issue, a right foot injury, is expected to keep him out indefinitely. So what does this mean, and will we see James back on the court this season? Is there a chance he won't return?To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NBA, make sure to favorite or bookmark the RotoBaller Fantasy Basketball Newspage, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy basketball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. 

LeBron James Injury Update

James injured his right foot during the third quarter of Sunday's comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks. It was a tense few seconds after the multi-time MVP clutched his foot after suffering what was deemed a "non-contact injury." The concern grew to greater heights after he was overheard saying, "I heard a pop." Situations like this are never good, as many were concerned that an Achilles tear could be the culprit.https://twitter.com/FanDuelTV/status/1630602449227595777?s=20Yet, after James gathered himself, he tightened his shoe and finished the game, totaling 26 points, eight rebounds, one block, and one steal. Head coach Darvin Ham appeared optimistic while speaking postgame, stating the 38-year-old was "good."However, that couldn't be further from the case, with The Athletic's Shams Charania reporting that James would "miss an extended period of time" because of the foot injury. Charania later added that the all-time scoring leader would "require multiple opinions."https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1630363560051187712?s=20 

LeBron James' Season Recap

Despite James' advanced NBA age, he's still productive. In 47 appearances, he's averaged 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. While his three-point percentage has regressed, that's never been his strong suit.James was also named an All-Star captain while recently passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time scoring leader.https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1623184801284104192?s=20That said, despite some high-level accomplishments, the year has been a rough one for the 2003 No. 1 overall pick. He's battled left foot soreness for nearly the entire season, so much so that he routinely carried some type of injury designation heading into almost all of his games over the last few months.... [More]

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) had some preliminary x-rays done after exiting their game on Monday night and was found to have a fractured right ankle. While many people predicted that he would miss the rest of the season, that wasn't official until now. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Ball will not be returning this year. He had multiple left ankle sprains, but this injury is in the opposite ankle. Dennis Smith Jr. should be an instant add from any waiver wire while Kelly Oubre Jr. will likely see more usage like he did at the beginning of the year.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) suffered a fractured right ankle Monday against the Detroit Pistons and will be out indefinitely. Ball looked visibly hobbled after a non-contact injury and x-rays revealed the fracture, likely ending his season. With Ball out for the foreseeable future, Dennis Smith Jr. should be a priority add for most fantasy leagues. As a starter this season, Smith has averaged 10.0 points, 6.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 30.9 minutes per game.