Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight against the Sacramento Kings? Exploring Hornets star's status (April 4)

Modified Apr 04, 2025 12:29 GMT

NBA: Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets - Source: Imagn — Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight against the Sacramento Kings? Exploring Hornets star's status (April 4) (Image Credit: Imagn)

LaMelo Ball has been ruled out for the Charlotte Hornets’ game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Ball is dealing with a right ankle injury that forced him to miss the past four games. With Charlotte out of playoff contention, there’s no pressure to rush him back onto the court.

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Ball's injuries remain a huge issue for the team, as he has been in only 47 games this season, averaging 25.2 points and 7.4 assists. While 47 is a modest total when considering the 82-game regular season, it is the most he has played in the previous three seasons.

LaMelo Ball played 22 games last season and 36 games in 2022-23. The most he played in a season was 75 games during his sophomore year in 2021-22.

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Ball has dealt with a plethora of injuries this season, but the right ankle issue has been the biggest concern. He also missed games because of wrist and calf injuries.

The Hornets will also be without Damion Baugh (hip), Josh Green (left shoulder), Tre Mann (disc), Brandon Miller (wrist) and Grant Williams (right ACL). Nick Smith Jr. is questionable with a left ankle injury, while Seth Curry (lower back tightness), Taj Gibson and Mark Williams (thoracic muscle spasms) are probable.

How has LaMelo Ball fared against Sacramento Kings?

LaMelo Ball has faced the Sacramento Kings just five times in his career. He has a 3-2 record in those games, with averages of 20.0 points, 10.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds.

Ball faced Sacramento on Feb. 24 for the first time in three years. It wasn’t a happy return as the Hornets suffered a lopsided 130-88 loss. Ball had just 13 points as he shot 3 of 13 from the floor, including 1 of 7 from beyond the arc.

How and where to watch Sacramento Kings vs. Charlotte Hornets?

The Kings vs. Hornets matchup is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EDT on Friday at Spectrum Center. Local coverage of the game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast - Charlotte and NBCSCA. Fans looking for streaming options can watch it live on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.

Also read: Sacramento Kings vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips | April 4, 2025

About the author

Rajdeep Barman is a U.S. Sports Editor at Sportskeeda and occasionally writes about basketball. He studied journalism at Mizzou, and prior to working at Sportskeeda, he spent 2.5 years at the Columbia Missourian in the U.S.

He worked as an Assistant Sports Editor and helped cover Mizzou Athletics and local high school sports. There, he formed close professional and personal bonds with The Denver Post's Bennett Durando, OKC Thunder beat writer Joel Lorenzi and Alabama beat writer Nick Kelly.

Rajdeep's interest in the NBA stems from his love for the Golden State Warriors and his appreciation of the team's distinctive playing style, heavily influenced by coach Steve Kerr's inspiration from Barcelona's Tiki-Taka. For Rajdeep, basketball is a platform that fosters community and brings people together.

Rajdeep stays in constant touch with some of the best beat writers in the NBA, which helps him learn and stay closer to the news. Being trained in the AP Handbook, he ensures highest levels of relevance, accuracy and ethics in his content.

When not working for Sportskeeda, he likes to travel, take quizzes and spend time with his partner.

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Edited by Krutik Jain