Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded his fifth consecutive double-double on Friday against Minnesota and this time with rebounds, adding 10 boards to a game-high 32 points in a 121-113 win. He came two assists short of a second consecutive triple-double and had two steals in the game with three turnovers in 40 minutes. Ball hit 5-for-9 from deep and was 11-for-21 from the field overall with his shot attempts. Charlotte's young star has finally been able to enjoy an injury-free run, last missing a game on Jan. 24, and we have seen his full potential again. Ball finished last month with a triple-double and is averaging 24.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 8.8 assists for February.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball recorded his third triple-double of the year in Wednesday night's 120-110 win over the San Antonio Spurs. In 39 minutes, Ball logged 28 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and one steal. The 21-year-old shot 10-for-26 from the field, 5-for-15 from deep and a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. With the departure of Mason Plumlee, the Hornets new starting center Mark Williams has been very productive. Williams logged 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in 30 minutes. Somehow, Williams is only rostered in 10.9 percent of ESPN leagues. Williams has recorded 24-plus fantasy points in three of his last four games, and he should be considered a viable streaming option in all formats and a solid waiver addition.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball thoroughly enjoyed his battle with Trae Young and the Hawks on Monday, guiding the team to a 144-138 victory with a game-high 30 points and 15 assists. He was also able to collect six rebounds and shot an outstanding 6-for-10 from downtown with a 12-for-19 overall record from the field. Ball has hit top gear lately, going on a run of three consecutive double-doubles. He matched his career high with 15 assists on Monday and it was his fifth 30-point effort of the season. Ball should be around the same numbers again in the next matchup against the Spurs, who have one of the poorest defensive records in the league against points guards and who are also giving up the ninth-most assists to the position.

Without a doubt, Kyrie Irving is arguably one of the most naturally gifted players in the National Basketball Association. He's a fantastic ball-handler and can get to the rim with ease. However, the former Duke Blue Devil's career has been surrounded by controversy, ultimately impacting his ability to win an MVP.The NBA trade deadline kicked off with a bang when Irving, who had demanded a trade out of Brooklyn, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. NBA fans and fantasy managers are left wondering how things will play out.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. 

Kyrie Irving's Season Recap

Irving got suspended for an antisemitic social media post, keeping him out of the lineup for eight games. But since then, the 30-year-old stayed out of the limelight, so most had assumed he finally turned things around. He's played well all season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 40 appearances.https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1622324668047794177?s=20&t=NTffJ2tRvNpjAA7bddjYHQHe was also selected to the All-Star team for the eighth time in his career. However, things were apparently going too well, as Irving dropped a bombshell by requesting a trade. His wish was granted, as he was sent to Dallas in exchange for ... [More]

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was the leading scorer in Sunday's 119-113 loss to Orlando, shooting 13-for-24 from the field en route to a season-high 33 points. He hit six triples with 13 attempts and had eight rebounds and six assists with four steals and four turnovers in 38 minutes. Ball has finally shaken off injury troubles and playing regularly, which has helped him to pick up speed for the final couple of months of the season. He has averaged 25.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists with 3.8 steals across the last four games.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball collected his second triple-double of the season against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and three blocks on a not-so-great 10-for-26 shooting night. At this point, the Hornets don't look like they're going to compete for much so Ball has the ultimate green light for every game. His efficiency won't help fantasy teams, but his traditional stats are sure to help a lot of managers in need of all-around players.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) is available for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. The young guard will make his return to the court after a three-game absence. It doesn't sound like the team plans to limit Ball, so fantasy managers should make sure to get him in their lineups for Thursday. His return will mean less of a role for Dennis Smith Jr. and Bryce McGowens in the rotation.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) is once again listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's clash with Chicago. He's trying to return from a left ankle sprain and a sore right wrist but hasn't been able to do it for three games. Dennis Smith Jr. has benefited from Ball's injuries all season and is currently also in the middle of a productive period. If Ball remains out on Thursday, his next chance to return will come Sunday versus Miami.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle/wrist) will sit out Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets. Ball will miss his third straight game as he recovers for soreness in both his ankle and wrist. Dennis Smith Jr. should remain in the starting lineup and is worth a look while Ball is sidelined. The Hornets play again on Wednesday which Ball will likely be listed as questionable.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle/wrist) is questionable to play Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. Ball is in danger of missing his third straight game Tuesday as he continues to recover from soreness in his left ankle and right wrist. If Ball remains out, Dennis Smith Jr. will likely continue to start and has been serviceable as a starter.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Utah. He missed a game over the weekend after getting hurt versus the Rockets last Wednesday and could now be forced to sit out another contest. Ball has had awful luck with injuries this season, missing 25 games in total. He has averaged 23.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists in the 22 games he has played. With Ball sidelined, Terry Rozier, who always enjoyed extra usage without him, went off for a 34-point effort on Saturday against Atlanta, and Dennis Smith Jr. also benefits from the situation.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) reported he's improving after injuring his left ankle for the third time this season during Wednesday's game against Houston. Although fantasy managers are encouraged by the good news, the 21-year-old also injured his right wrist. Ball stated he's had trouble with it since breaking his hand in his rookie season, which only adds more uncertainty regarding a potential return. Hopefully, he'll be able to play through it. However, until Ball is ready to suit up, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and P.J. Washington are expected to remain more involved on the offensive end. At the same time, Dennis Smith Jr. should continue to take his place in the starting lineup.

It wasn't a good day for many clubs around the National Basketball Association, with many teams dealing with unsettling injuries to their top players. Although these situations are always challenging for teams, fantasy managers are also left scrambling to find a replacement.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Saturday, January 21, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.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. 

Marcus Smart Injury Update

The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum for Saturday's meeting with Toronto, as the MVP candidate got the day off to deal with wrist soreness. Luckily, the C's recently got Jaylen Brown back from a three-game layoff, so the team at least had its No. 2 scoring option. Boston also had Marcus Smart, who is proficient on both ends of the floor.Unfortunately, the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year's evening didn't last long, as he exited in the first half after suffering a sprained right ankle. Smart has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, so fantasy managers are familiar with this.https://twitter.com/ChrisForsberg_/status/1616933981362028546?s=20&t=ADA6dM_t2muMcgq6cJRitwWhile X-ray results were encouraging, revealing no structural damage, he'll likely miss a game or two, possibly more. As a result, ... [More]

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle, wrist) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. This was expected considering Ball was listed as doubtful heading into this game. His absence means that Dennis Smith Jr. should move into the starting five. Also, Gordon Hayward (hamstring) has been cleared to play, so he'll take on a bigger role in the offense. Both Smith and Hayward appear to be strong streaming options while Ball is out.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is doubtful ahead of Saturday's game against the Hawks. The 21-year-old injured his left ankle during Wednesday's showdown with the Houston Rockets, requiring assistance to the locker room. Ball has already missed 24 games this season for the same ailment, so he may be out for an extended period. However, until Ball can return, Terry Rozier is the favorite to be the top producer on the offensive end. At the same time, Dennis Smith Jr., who averaged 10.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.9 steals in 11 starts in 2022-23, should take over at the one spot.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) is considered day-to-day. He injured his left ankle during Wednesday's meeting with the Rockets, requiring assistance to the locker room. The 21-year-old has missed 24 games in total throughout the 2022-23 campaign after tweaking the ankle on two separate occasions. Charlotte doesn't play again until Saturday night versus the Atlanta Hawks. However, fantasy managers should brace for the worst, meaning Ball may miss multiple games. If that's the case, Dennis Smith Jr., who averaged 10.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.9 steals in 11 starts this season, could see a sizeable uptick in production.

It was a busy nine-game slate around the National Basketball Association. However, it wasn't a good night for many clubs, especially the ones that dealt with an injury.This article will highlight some of the critical injuries that occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. At the same time, we will cover some players who were ruled out with a pre-existing ailment while examining which players have benefited.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. 

LaMelo Ball Injury Update

LaMelo Ball exited Monday's meeting with the Rockets with a sprained left ankle. This is an all too familiar ailment, as the 21-year-old injured it twice already this season. He missed the first 13 games of the 2022-23 campaign because of it before making his season debut on November 12 against Miami.https://twitter.com/HornetsOnBally/status/1615898994508546048?s=20&t=2ONmwk9cIuX1k5z8xOpxsQUnfortunately, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick was incapacitated again after stepping on a fan's foot during a matchup with Indiana just a few days later, keeping him sidelined for an additional 11 games. Now, it appears fantasy managers will be without Ball for a while, considering he needed help getting to the locker room.With ... [More]

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) won't return to Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The young guard left in the third quarter due to a right ankle injury. However, Ball returned to the contest and ended up injuring his left ankle shortly after that. This is certainly alarming to fantasy managers considering Ball has already missed time this season due to ankle injuries. His absence would make Dennis Smith Jr. a popular fantasy option. Fantasy managers will have to check back for an update on Ball in a day or two. In the meantime, fantasy managers should keep Smith on their fantasy radar.

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball led his squad with 31 points in Saturday's 122-106 loss to Boston, adding seven rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 39 minutes. He posted his second consecutive 30-point outing, although Ball needed nearly 30 shots to get there, finishing 11-for-27 from the field with a 1-for-8 record from downtown. Efficiency was a big problem here, but Ball has started to build momentum and will get a quick rematch with Boston on Monday. Next week also brings him a superb matchup against the Rockets, whose defensive numbers against point guards are the seventh-worst in the league.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball had a solid offensive game despite the 10-point loss to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. The 21-year-old posted 32 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two steals on 11-for-19 shooting from the floor and 4-for-10 from deep. Since returning from his second injury stint, his scoring and playmaking have returned to the levels we've grown accustomed to last season. Ball is now averaging more points and assists per game than he did all of last year.