LaMelo Ball Out for Season as Hornets Face Grizzlies

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets will finish the 2024-25 NBA season without star guard LaMelo Ball, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the year due to an ankle injury. The Hornets, currently holding a 19-59 record, face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night at Spectrum Center.

Ball’s absence is a considerable setback for a team already struggling to find momentum. The 23-year-old averaged 11.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over his last 20 games prior to the injury. His playmaking and shooting from beyond the arc, where he made an average of 2.0 three-pointers per game, had been crucial for the Hornets, who rank 28th in the league for points per game at 105.7.

“LaMelo’s creativity was vital for our offense,” said Hornets head coach James Borrego. “We will need to adjust and find ways to make up for his scoring and playmaking.”

With Ball sidelined, Miles Bridges, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 20.4 points per game, is expected to shoulder a heavier load. The absence of key players such as Brandon Miller (wrist) and Grant Williams (ACL) has left the Hornets severely depleted, with six players currently on the injured list.

As the Hornets prepare for the matchup against the Grizzlies, they hope to overcome their injury woes. “It’s about moving on and making the best out of a tough situation,” said Bridges. “We still have games to play, and we want to finish strong for our fans.”

On the other hand, the Grizzlies enter the game with a much healthier roster. Sitting at 46-32, they boast star players Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, who have been instrumental in their success this season. Jackson is averaging 22.3 points per game, while Bane has contributed 20.3 points over his last 20 games.

“We approach every game with the same intensity, and facing a team with injuries doesn’t change our mindset,” said Jackson. “We aim to secure our position in the playoffs.”

Tip-off for the game is set for 7 p.m. ET, with regional coverage available. The Hornets will look to make a statement despite their struggles, while the Grizzlies aim to solidify their playoff standing.