The Charlotte Hornets face a tense wait as their star point guard, LaMelo Ball, remains a game-time decision for their crucial Southeast Division matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Ball is officially listed as questionable due to a persistent left ankle bone bruise, an injury that has already caused him to miss significant playing time this season.
LaMelo Ball's Injury Status and Recovery Timeline
The team has yet to make a final call, pushing the decision right up to tip-off. This ankle issue resurfaced recently, forcing Ball to sit out several contests, including a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Medical imaging confirmed a bone bruise after he was forced to leave earlier games prematurely, raising significant concerns given his history of ankle problems.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope in his recovery. LaMelo Ball has progressed to limited-contact practice sessions and is reportedly ahead of some teammates in his rehabilitation. For context, guard Collin Sexton remains sidelined with a quad strain, and Tre Mann is also working his way back from a knee bruise.
Despite the progress, the Hornets' medical and coaching staff are proceeding with extreme caution. Ball has participated in only 16 games this season, making the franchise's decision a delicate balance between urgent short-term needs and the long-term priority of keeping their franchise player healthy.
What Ball's Absence Means for the Struggling Hornets
The impact of LaMelo Ball's absence on the court is starkly evident in the team's record. Without his dynamic playmaking and scoring, the Charlotte Hornets have stumbled to an 8-18 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. The offense has notably lacked direction and consistency in his stead.
Ball's season averages of 19.4 points, six rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game are sorely missed. The scoring burden has fallen more heavily on Miles Bridges and rookie Kon Knueppel, while injuries have thrust players like KJ Simpson into larger roles than initially anticipated. With four rotation players currently unavailable, the Hornets have virtually no margin for error. Ball's potential return would instantly provide structure and elite shot creation to a struggling offensive unit.
Hawks' Injury Report and Game Preview
The Atlanta Hawks, entering the game with a 15-12 record, are favored by 5.5 points. They are dealing with their own injury concerns, as their star guard Trae Young is also listed as questionable due to a right knee ligament sprain. The backcourt battle could be decisive; if both premier guards play, the game may hinge on which team controls the point of attack.
Should Ball be active, the Hawks are expected to deploy defensive specialist Dyson Daniels as his primary defender. Atlanta's defense, ranked 18th in points allowed per possession, presents an opportunity for the Hornets' offense to find a rhythm—but only if their lead guard is on the floor and effective. Until the final injury report is released, the central question looming over the Spectrum Center is whether LaMelo Ball's ankle will hold up or if the Hornets will be forced to fight another battle without their most important weapon.
