On the hardwood in Buzz City, two Southeast Division squads will do battle. The Miami Heat will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets.
Latest News on LaMelo Ball and Cody Martin for Hornets vs. Heat
The Charlotte Hornets snapped a two-game slide as they took down Chicago at home in their previous contest Thursday night.
In 37 minutes of Thursday’s 111-96 victory over the Bulls, Ball (ankle and wrist) scored 15 points (2-15 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 9-10 FT), grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.
Ball’s third multi-game absence of the season was shorter than his first two due to a sprained left ankle, but the star point guard still struggled upon his return. Ball’s season field goal percentage dropped to 40% after he shot 2-for-15, but at least he finished strong in every other category.
What was more crucial, however, was that Ball was not restricted in his playing time. This bodes well for his future recovery from the more serious injury to his right wrist and the less serious injury to his ankle.
Injury Reports:
- Dennis Smith Jr. (Illness)
- Cody Martin (Knee)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (Hand)
Due to a knee injury, Martin will be unable to take the field against the Heat on Sunday.
Due to discomfort in his left knee, Martin will be sidelined for a seventh straight tilt. In Milwaukee on Tuesday, which is his next scheduled appearance, he will have the opportunity to speak.
Meanwhile, Oubre Jr. (thumb) last played on December 29 against the Thunder and had surgery. He is expected to be out until early to mid-February.
The Miami Heat won their third straight game as they took down Orlando at home Friday night and they look to build on that momentum here.
Injury Reports:
- Duncan Robinson (Finger)
- Nikola Jovic (Back)
- Omer Yurtseven (Ankle)
Omar Yurtseven had surgery on his ankle on November 15 and will be out for a long time. Robinson had surgery on his finger on January 5, and he won’t be able to play again until early February.
