Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball Ruled Out for Monday's Game Against Utah Jazz

The Charlotte Hornets will be without their one-time All Star for tonight's matchup against the Utah Jazz. Point guard LaMelo Ball will miss his second straight game with a sprained left ankle and a sore right wrist.

UPDATE: @hornets guards LaMelo Ball and Cody Martin have both been downgraded to out for tonight’s game at UTA. https://t.co/XoBhOjn5vK
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) January 24, 2023

Ball has missed extensive time already this season, playing only 22 of a possible 47 games. He's been productive when available, scoring 23.5 points per game, but his efficiency has declined as his role has grown: he's hitting on a career-low 40.9% of his field goal attempts.

At 13-34, the Hornets are on the very short list of worst teams in the NBA, so Ball's absence will diminish the team all the more for tonight's game against the Jazz. Ultimately, the Hornets should consistently prioritize the health of their proven players as they race to the association's basement. Perhaps more than any other year, a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft could radically transform a franchise.

The Hornets travel for the second game of a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.