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LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets are set to kick off their 2023-24 NBA regular-season schedule with a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday (Oct. 25). After playing in all four of Charlotte’s preseason games, Ball appears to be good to go, as he is not listed on the Hornets’ injury report.
Wednesday’s matchup will feature a battle of the star point guards, as Ball will be matching up against Hawks star Trae Young.
Atlanta and Charlotte both made very few offseason changes and are each projected to finish in the middle to lower half of the Eastern Conference. However, both squads could experience some internal development from their young guys and defy expectations.
For the Hornets, the development of 2023 No. 2 pick Brandon Miller and sophomore big man Mark Williams will likely be very important to their success. If either of those guys can be difference-makers this season, Charlotte may be able to challenge for a play-in spot.
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Meanwhile, Hawks players that could take a leap include sophomore wing AJ Griffin, forward Jalen Johnson and big man Onyeka Okongwu. If any of those guys break out alongside Young and his co-star, Dejounte Murray, Atlanta might be able to compete for a Top 5 seed. However, the Hawks should have a good shot at securing a playoff spot regardless.
Charlotte won its 2022-23 season series against Atlanta 3-1. However, the Hawks should be favored to win their season series this year.
Wednesday’s game between the Hornets and the Hawks will take place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte and will start at 7:00 p.m. EST.
How did LaMelo Ball fare in the preseason?
LaMelo Ball struggled with his shot during the preseason. However, he was still the Charlotte Hornets’ leading scorer.
Ball averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.8 3-pointers on 39.6% shooting in 22.0 minutes per game over four games.
But more important for Hornets fans than Ball’s stats is the fact that he is healthy. The star point guard was limited to just 36 games last season after he sprained his left ankle three times and fractured his right ankle.
Ball ultimately underwent season-ending surgery to repair his right ankle in March. However, it appears that he is back to full strength. Thus, Ball should now have a good chance to secure his second All-Star berth this season.
Ball averaged 23.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 8.4 apg, 1.3 spg and 4.0 3pg on 41.1% shooting over 36 games last season.
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