LaMelo Ball to Sit Out vs. Thunder as Hornets Manage Star Guard’s Ankle Issue

The Charlotte Hornets enter Saturday’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder looking to secure their fifth win of the season, but they’ll do so without their franchise point guard. LaMelo Ball, who has been central to the team’s early production, will miss the contest due to an ankle issue the team is handling cautiously.

Charlotte listed Ball as out on the NBA’s official injury report, though the team emphasized that the injury is not considered serious. By labeling his status as “Injury Management,” the Hornets signaled that the move is more preventative than concerning.

The timing also plays a key role. Saturday’s game follows Friday’s 147-134 overtime loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the first leg of Charlotte’s back-to-back. After logging heavy minutes in that matchup, Ball will be given a rest day to avoid aggravating the injury.

Ball has appeared in seven of Charlotte’s 11 games this season and has consistently been one of the team’s most productive players. His absence leaves a notable void as the Hornets navigate a challenging early-season schedule.

1. Ball’s Impact on Charlotte’s Early Season

Ball has once again shaped the Hornets’ offensive identity, directing the pace and pushing the tempo with efficiency. His blend of scoring, passing, and rebounding has helped stabilize Charlotte through stretches of inconsistency. Through the first month of the 2025–26 season, Ball is averaging 22.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 9.9 assists, numbers that place him among the league’s most versatile young point guards. His efficiency — 41.9% from the field and 33.3% from deep — has supported Charlotte’s efforts to stay competitive. Beyond the numbers, Ball’s presence influences the team’s spacing and rhythm. Opposing defenses frequently adjust their coverages to contain his playmaking, opening opportunities for Charlotte’s shooters and interior scorers. The Hornets have struggled to generate the same flow when Ball is off the floor, making Saturday’s matchup a test for the team’s depth and adaptability.

2. Options at Point Guard Without Ball

With Ball unavailable, Charlotte will look to Tre Mann and Collin Sexton to shoulder primary ball-handling responsibilities. Both guards have shown the ability to create off the dribble, though neither replicates Ball’s unique vision or pace-setting. Mann provides shooting and steady decision-making, qualities the Hornets hope will help stabilize their half-court offense. His ability to initiate drives and distribute could be crucial against an Oklahoma City team known for defensive pressure. Sexton, meanwhile, brings scoring aggression and downhill force. His ability to attack gaps may help compensate for the playmaking void created by Ball’s absence, though Charlotte will need him to balance scoring with facilitation. The coaching staff is expected to stagger their minutes, blending their contrasting styles in an effort to maintain cohesion throughout the game.

3. Opportunity for Rookie Kon Knueppel

Ball’s absence also opens the door for rookie Kon Knueppel to take on a larger role. The 2025 first-round pick has had limited opportunities so far, but his size, shooting, and instincts have impressed the organization during early evaluations. Saturday offers a chance for Knueppel to gain meaningful reps in a competitive setting. His versatility on the wing could help Charlotte navigate mismatches while providing additional spacing for the offense. The Hornets have emphasized player development throughout the season, and Knueppel’s potential emergence would be a welcome boost for the roster’s long-term outlook. If he can seize the opportunity, Ball’s brief absence may accelerate Knueppel’s integration into Charlotte’s regular rotation.