Hornets' Ball to miss at least 1 week with ankle sprain

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball underwent an MRI on his left ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least another week, the team announced Thursday.

Ball got hurt in Charlotte's Monday matchup when he appeared to turn his ankle on Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt's foot after taking a 3-pointer early in the second quarter. Ball exited the game, which the Hornets eventually lost, and did not return.

The former All-Star was subsequently ruled out of Wednesday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He'll be re-evaluated in one week.

The Hornets are already without second-year wing Brandon Miller, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist earlier this January.

The 23-year-old is having the most productive campaign of his NBA tenure, averaging a career-best 28.2 points to go along with 7.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in 31 contests.

The 6-foot-7 guard has dealt with multiple ankle injuries throughout his time in the Association. Ball only appeared in 22 games last season due to recurring ankle issues, and his 2022-23 campaign was also shortened after he fractured his right ankle and eventually got surgery.

The Hornets are 12-32 and sit 14th in the East. They'll host the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets on back-to-back nights Friday and Saturday, respectively.