How long is LaMelo Ball out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Hornets star

Benyam Kidane

How long is LaMelo Ball out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates for Hornets star image

After missing the first 13 games of the season due to an ankle injury, LaMelo Ball caught an unlucky break in a loss to the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 16. 

Ball exited the game in the final two minutes after rolling his ankle when he accidentally stepped on the foot of a courtside fan as he attempted a steal. 

What's next for Ball? Here is what we know about his injury and when he could return to the floor for the Hornets.

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What is LaMelo Ball's injury?

Ball tweaked the same ankle that kept him sidelined for the first 13 games of the season after landing on the fan's foot and immediately began limping before heading to the locker room.  

According to the Hornets, he has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain. 

Ball was enjoying his best game since returning from injury, scoring 16 of his 26 points in the second half. 

He finished with 26 points, six assists, one rebound, and two steals on 10-of-17 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 shooting from the 3-point line. 

How long will LaMelo Ball be out?

The Hornets announced on Dec. 14 that Ball has been upgraded from out to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.

Ball has only played three games since suffering a Grade 2 left ankle sprain in the preseason. He is averaging 19.3 points, 7.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals over those three games.

Hornets schedule 2022-23

The Hornets have home games against the Pistons (Dec. 14) and Hawks (Dec. 16) before heading out West for a six-game road trip. Those two home games will be a good barometer of Ball's availability on the road.

Date Opponent Time (ET) TV channel
Dec. 14 vs. Pistons 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 vs. Hawks 7 p.m.
Dec. 18 at Nuggets 8 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Kings 10 p.m.
Dec. 21 at Clippers 10:30 p.m. NBA TV
Dec. 23 at Lakers 10:30 p.m.
Dec. 26 at Trail Blazers 10 p.m. NBA TV
Dec. 27 at Warriors 10 p.m. NBA TV

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.