Hornets Face Uphill Battle With Star Guards Ball and Mann Sidelined
The Charlotte Hornets have been dealt a tough blow, as star point guard LaMelo Ball is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a left calf strain. Ball initially thought he had a minor injury, but further evaluation revealed the extent of the strain. This will be Ball’s first missed games of the season, and he’s expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks.
This absence will be felt dearly, as Ball has been a driving force behind the Hornets’ strong start. Averaging a remarkable 31.3 points per game, along with 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds, Ball’s offensive firepower is essential to Charlotte’s game plan. While his shooting percentage sits at a modest 43.0%, Ball’s impact transcends raw numbers; he’s a dynamic playmaker with unmatched court vision who elevates the game of those around him.
Adding to the Hornets’ woes, guard Tre Mann will also be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a disc irritation. Mann’s absence is a significant loss, as he has been a valuable contributor off the bench, averaging 14.1 points, 3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 40.0% from three.
With both Ball and Mann unavailable, the Hornets will turn to third point guard Vasilije Micic to step up and fill the void. Micic showed promise during Friday’s loss to the Knicks, logging 31 minutes. However, it’s clear that the Hornets will need bigger contributions from other players in the backcourt. Nick Smith Jr., KJ Simpson, and Seth Curry are all likely to see increased playing time in the coming weeks.
One glimmer of hope for the Hornets comes in the form of center Nick Richards. Richards, who has been sidelined since November 1st with a broken rib, was upgraded to doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. His return would be a welcome boost to the frontcourt, providing much-needed size and rebounding strength.
This stretch without Ball and Mann will undoubtedly be challenging for the Hornets. They’ll be facing a tough run of games against Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland, and Indiana. The team’s depth and resilience will be put to the test as they navigate this difficult period.
Which Hornets players are expected to take on a larger role in Ball’s absence?
## Hornets Buzzkill: A Sit-Down with Analyst Mike Jones
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Now, we’ve got some tough news for Hornets fans. Star point guard LaMelo Ball is going to be sidelined for at least two weeks with a left calf strain. Joining me now to break down what this means for the Hornets is basketball analyst Mike Jones. Mike, thanks for being here.
**Mike Jones:** Thanks for having me. It’s definitely not the news Hornets fans wanted to hear.
**Host:** Exactly. Ball’s been playing great this season, and this is his first injury. How big of a blow is this for Charlotte?
**Mike Jones:** It’s massive. LaMelo is the engine of this team, the guy who makes everyone around them better. [[1](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/hornets-star-lamelo-ball-miss-multiple-weeks-major-injury-1993703)]He’s their leading scorer and creates so many opportunities for his teammates. Losing him, even for a couple of weeks, is going to be a real challenge.
**Host:** We know he’s expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks. Any concerns about this injury potentially lingering?
**Mike Jones:** It’s too early to say. Calf strains can be tricky. Hopefully, with proper rest and rehab, he’ll be back to 100% soon. But this is something the Hornets will need to monitor closely.
**Host:** Without Ball, who steps up in his absence?
**Mike Jones:** Look for guys like Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. to take on bigger roles. LaMelo carries a heavy load offensively, so others will have to step up and share the scoring burden. It will also be important for the defense to stay strong without their leader on the court.
**Host:** Tough road ahead for the Hornets. Thanks for your insight, Mike.
**Mike Jones:** My pleasure.
