How long is LaMelo Ball out? Ankle injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Hornets star
Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball suffered a right ankle fracture that could sideline him for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
The injury happened during the third quarter of Charlotte’s game against Detroit on February 27. He immediately left the game for an X-ray, which showed the fracture in his ankle.
Ball, the No. 3 pick overall in the 2020 NBA draft, was in the midst of the best season of his young career. He averaged 23.4 points, 8.5 assists and 6.4 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season.
Here are the latest updates on Ball’s injury, including updates on the severity of the fracture and when he is expected to return:
What is LaMelo Ball’s injury?
Ball appeared to have sustained a non-contact right ankle injury in the third quarter of Charlotte’s win over Detroit on Monday, February 27. He immediately fell to the ground in pain and was eliminated from the game. Some fans believe he has spoken up.I heard it pop‘ as he left the ground.
Here’s a video of the game where he was injured:
Ball was spotted on the pitch after the injury and said in reference to his ankle: “It popped”.
Shortly after the end of the game announced the Hornets he had suffered a fracture in his right ankle.
“An X-ray taken in the arena showed the fracture,” the statement said. “Ball is listed as out for the Hornets’ next game against Phoenix on March 1 and updates will be provided on his status as appropriate.”
MORE: Latest updates on LeBron James’ foot injury, including schedule and return date
How long is LaMelo Ball out?
The Hornets confirmed Ball will be ruled out for the team’s home game against the Suns on March 1. Additionally, it’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined, but it’s safe to assume he’ll miss a significant chunk of time.
Depending on the severity of the break, most ankle injuries like Ball’s have a recovery time of between six weeks and a few months. However, with the Hornets currently sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference and well adrift of the playoff race, it seems highly likely that the team will close their star point guard for the remainder of the season.
Here are Charlotte’s next five games of the 2022-23 regular season:
| Date | Opponent | time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1st March | against suns | 19.00 | Bally sports |
| 3 March | against magic | 19.00 | Bally sports |
| 5. March | at nets | 6:00 p.m | Bally Sports/YES Network |
| 7th March | at Knicks | 19:30 o’clock | Bally Sports/MSG |
| 9th March | at pistons | 19.00 | Bally sports |
LaMelo Ball career stats
- 19.4 points per game
- 6.4 rebounds per game
- 7.3 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 0.4 blocks per game
- 3.2 turnovers per game
- 31.9 minutes per game
- 42.5 percent field goal shooting
- 37.4 percent 3-point shooting
- 83.1 percent free throw shooting