Hornets' Ball fractures ankle vs. Pistons

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball sustained a fracture in his right ankle during Monday's 117-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons, the team announced postgame.

Ball suffered the noncontact injury in the third quarter and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest.

The 21-year-old has missed significant portions of the 2022-23 campaign due to ankle injuries. The former Rookie of the Year has averaged 23.4 points, 8.5 assists, 6.4 boards, and 1.3 steals over 35 appearances this season.

"Injuries are the worst part about the game," forward Gordon Hayward told reporters postgame, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. "I know that all too well. I already reached out to him, but it sucks, and I feel for him.

"I feel like we were starting to figure some stuff out a little bit - and then another injury. Certainly disappointing and tough for him, tough for our team."

Charlotte is also without starting forward P.J. Washington and reserve guard Cody Martin.

The Hornets are second-last in the East despite a five-game winning streak.