LaMelo Ball Injury Update: Will Hornets Star Play vs. Timberwolves Tonight?

The Charlotte Hornets have officially listed LaMelo Ball as questionable ahead of Saturday’s home matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The latest LaMelo Ball injury update confirms the guard is dealing with a right ankle impingement, leaving his playing status uncertain.

The 24-year-old last appeared in Thursday’s 123–107 loss to the Orlando Magic, recording 17 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and two steals in 36 minutes. Despite another strong performance, Ball appeared to tweak his ankle late in the game, prompting further medical evaluation from the team’s staff.

LaMelo Ball’s Ankle Concern and Hornets’ Monitoring Plan

According to the Hornets’ official injury report released on Saturday, Ball remains under day-to-day monitoring as the team assesses swelling and pain tolerance. He has a history of ankle issues, having missed extended time last season with a similar injury. This latest flare-up comes as the Hornets continue their three-game homestand at Spectrum Center.

Through five games this season, Ball has been the engine of Charlotte’s offense, averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per contest. His playmaking has been crucial for a young Hornets roster still trying to find rhythm under head coach Steve Clifford. Without Ball, the Hornets may turn to Tre Mann or Collin Sexton for added minutes in the backcourt.

Charlotte has not confirmed whether Ball will participate in pregame warmups, but sources close to the team have indicated that the decision could come just before tipoff. Given his previous ankle history, the Hornets may choose to rest him as a precaution, especially with a back-to-back game against the Utah Jazz looming on Sunday.

Impact on Charlotte’s Early-Season Push

Ball’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the Hornets, who enter the matchup with a 2–3 record. The team has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly on defense, and losing their floor general would further complicate matters. His ability to orchestrate the offense and create scoring opportunities has been a stabilizing force early in the season.

In the broader context, the Hornets are navigating yet another campaign where their star player’s health looms large over team expectations. LaMelo Ball’s injury updates have become a recurring storyline for Charlotte, and managing his workload responsibly could determine whether the team can stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

For now, Ball’s status remains uncertain. If he sits out, Charlotte will need to find answers quickly — both to fill his production and to protect his long-term health for the rest of the season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs. the Timberwolves?

He is listed as questionable due to a right ankle impingement. The Hornets will make a final decision closer to tipoff.

Q2: What injury is LaMelo Ball dealing with?

Ball has a right ankle impingement, a recurring issue that has limited him in past seasons.

Q3: How has LaMelo Ball performed this season so far?

He’s averaging 24.4 points, 10.2 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game through five appearances this season.

Q4: Who could replace Ball if he doesn’t play?

Guards Tre Mann and Collin Sexton are expected to handle additional minutes and playmaking duties.

Q5: When will the Hornets provide another injury update?

The team typically releases its final pregame update about 90 minutes before tipoff.