UPDATE: LaMelo Ball (face) is available to return Monday vs. the Pelicans, per Hornets PR. The injury was a laceration above the eye, but he appears good to go.
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball suffered an apparent injury during Monday’s game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans and is in the locker room.
It’s likely a facial/head injury for Ball. In a freak accident, he collided with Hornets head coach Charles Lee when diving for a loose ball along the sideline. Ball does not yet have an official injury status but is in the locker room getting checked out.
Ball played three minutes in Monday’s game prior to the collision, recording four points, an assist and a rebound.
Watch for Tre Mann or Collin Sexton to see additional minutes in Ball’s place if he misses time.
Ball, 24 years old, is in the midst of a down year in his sixth NBA season. His scoring average of 19.0 PPG is the lowest since his rookie campaign, though he does remain engaged as a playmaker with 7.6 assists. He also averages 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
The Hornets are just 22-28 on the season, but are riding a six-game winning streak with eight wins in their last 10 games.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
