In a significant boost for the struggling Charlotte Hornets, star point guard LaMelo Ball is on track to play against the New York Knicks this Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The marquee NBA matchup will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Injury Status and Team Crisis
According to the league's official injury report released on Wednesday morning, LaMelo Ball is listed as probable due to lingering soreness in his left wrist. This issue is connected to the surgery he underwent in previous seasons. The guard participated fully in Tuesday's practice, signaling his likely availability.
However, Ball's probable status is the only positive note in a grim injury report for Charlotte. The team is grappling with a severe personnel crisis. Key forward Brandon Miller remains out with a left shoulder subluxation. Guards Tre Mann (left ankle impingement) and Pat Connaughton (right calf strain) are also sidelined. Furthermore, Josh Green and Grant Williams are unavailable following shoulder and knee surgeries respectively.
Ball's Crucial Role and Season Performance
With this wave of injuries decimating the rotation, LaMelo Ball's role becomes exponentially more critical. He is now the undisputed primary offensive initiator for the Hornets. The team, desperate for stability, will lean heavily on his playmaking to compete against a Knicks squad that has started the season strong with a 13-7 record.
Through 14 games this season, Ball is averaging 18.9 points, 8.9 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. While his shooting efficiency has dipped—currently at 37.8% from the field and 28.3% from three-point range—his ability to create for others remains elite. In his last game, a loss to the Brooklyn Nets, he dished out 14 assists.
Madison Square Garden Showdown Expectations
The stage is set for a high-usage night for Ball at the world's most famous arena. His last performance against the Knicks was a mixed bag, featuring 11 points and 4-of-14 shooting but highlighted by his visionary passing. With Brandon Miller and other scorers out, Ball's responsibility to both create and score will spike.
This game presents a major challenge for the shorthanded Hornets. Facing a steady Knicks team on their home court, Charlotte's competitiveness hinges almost entirely on LaMelo Ball's health and performance. If he can find an early rhythm and manage his wrist discomfort, fans at Madison Square Garden could witness one of his signature highlight-reel nights.
For Hornets supporters, Ball's probable status offers a glimmer of hope after watching him battle persistent injuries over the past two years. His presence on the floor is the key to any chance of an upset in New York.
