Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight against OKC Thunder? Latest injury update on Hornets guard (Dec. 28)

LaMelo Ball's Charlotte Hornets host the OKC Thunder on Saturday, looking to snap a six-game losing streak. However, the one-time All-Star has been ruled out of the game due to ankle and wrist soreness.

Ball has played in two consecutive outings, last missing Charlotte's 108-98 road loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 20 due to left calf injury management. Despite the Hornets' struggles, he has consistently delivered well-rounded statistical production.

During Thursday's 113-110 road loss to the Washington Wizards, Ball tallied a team-high 31 points, six rebounds, six assists and four 3-pointers, shooting 44.4%.

With Ball ruled out, reserve point guard Vasilije Micic should step into a starting role, providing playmaking and high-IQ play. However, he offers considerably less scoring prowess.

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How have the Hornets fared without LaMelo Ball this season?

While Charlotte (7-23) has been an NBA bottom dweller this season, it has fared even worse without LaMelo Ball. The team is 6-16 with the 2020 No. 3 draft pick in its lineup and just 1-7 without him.

In addition to Ball's absence, Charlotte could be without standout sophomore wing Brandon Miller against OKC. He is considered questionable due to a left ankle sprain.

Ball (30.1 points per game) and Miller (21.4 ppg), rank first and second in scoring for the Hornets' 27th-ranked offense (108.1 offensive rating). Thus, if both are sidelined, the squad will likely struggle to generate consistent offense.

Regardless, Charlotte is expected to face difficulty topping the Western Conference-leading Thunder (24-5), who are riding a nine-game winning streak.

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OKC Thunder vs Charlotte Hornets game details

Saturday's showdown between the Thunder and Hornets tips off at 6 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. It airs on NBA TV, FDSSE and FDSOK, and can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

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