The Charlotte Hornets will travel to Manhattan on Wednesday evening to face the New York Knicks, but they will be without their best player.
Is LaMelo Ball joining for Knicks – Hornets?
The Hornets have been without LaMelo Ball since preseason due to an ankle injury, and he will be out again on Wednesday.
Despite the absence of LaMelo, Charlotte defeated Trae Young and Atlanta 126-109 on Sunday. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the way with 24 points (9-for-20), while Dennis Smith Jr., a former Knick, had 18. (8-for-16).
Surprisingly, the Hornets are 2-1, and they defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday despite missing both Terry Rozier and Ball.
They are not expected to be a good team, but Ball is a potential superstar, so it would not be surprising to see him lead the Hornets to the playoffs once he is healthy.
He made the All-Star Game as a 20-year-old last season, averaging 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game.
The Hornets have lost in the play-in tournament in back-to-back seasons, putting them on the verge of making the playoffs.
The Knicks are 2-1 heading into the game (they have wins over the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons).
Their lone defeat came in overtime to Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. Following their game against the Knicks, the Hornets will travel to Orlando, Florida, to take on the Magic on Friday night.
New York has a good chance to start the season 3-1 before facing two tough Eastern Conference opponents. But, as with the Pistons and Magic, the Knicks can’t afford to overlook the Hornets, even though Charlotte will be missing Ball, Cody Martin, and Terry Rozier.
Injury report for Knicks
Quentin Grimes will miss his fourth consecutive regular-season game.
Injury report for Hornets
- Terry Rozier (Day-to-day): Rozier (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Knicks.
- Cody Martin (Day-to-day): Martin (quadriceps) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Knicks.
- LaMelo Ball (Out): Ball (ankle) will miss the game against the Knicks on Wednesday.
