Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight against Detroit Pistons? Latest injury update for 2025 NBA All-Star candidate (Jan. 3)

LaMelo Ball is ruled out for the Charlotte Hornets ahead of Friday's clash against the Detroit Pistons. The 2025 NBA All-Star was earlier listed as questionable. Ball is dealing with left ankle and right wrist injuries, which have ruled him out for the past three games.

The star point guard has played only 22 of the team's 32 games this season. However, Ball's production has been top-notch. He is averaging 30.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists on 42.5% shooting. Ball has received recognition for his performances as he is topping the Eastern Conference All-Star voting's first fan returns among guards with 947,777 votes.

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LaMelo Ball Stats vs. Detroit Pistons

LaMelo Ball has played 13 games against the Detroit Pistons, averaging 20.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 8.5 apg, shooting 39.3% and 39.5% from 3. They are among the few teams he has a winning record against (8-5). The Hornets also grabbed two of their seven wins this season against Detroit.

On Nov. 6, the Hornets won 108-107. Ball had 25 points, six rebounds and eight assists on 43.5% shooting. A Brandon Miller tip shot at the buzzer led Charlotte to victory.

When the teams met again on Nov. 21, the Hornets came out on top in a 123-121 overtime win. LaMelo Ball finished with 35 points, six rebounds and nine assists on 44.4% shooting, while Miller had 38 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. He made eight 3s. Ball sent the game into overtime, while Miller made the key 3-point with 32 seconds left in OT to hand Charlotte a five-point lead.

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How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons game?

FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and FanDuel Sports Network will provide coverage of the Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons game in local regions. Viewers outside the Southeast region and Michigan can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons' homecourt.