LaMelo Ball Injury Update: Will Hornets Star Play Tonight vs. Magic?

LaMelo Ball (Image Credits: Imagn)

LaMelo Ball Injury Update: Will Hornets Star Play Tonight vs. Magic?

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Apr 17, 2026 10:23 AM ET

Who will be the eighth-seeded team in the Eastern Conference to advance to the playoffs? This remains the big question at the moment. While the Orlando Magic are just a win away from a postseason spot, the Charlotte Hornets are ready to spoil their party and prove their worth as the emerging power. But in order for the Hornets to excel, they would need LaMelo Ball in the starting lineup.

Playing against the Miami Heat, the Hornets prevailed 127-126. But their celebrations were cut short as Ball landed in serious trouble after tripping Bam Adebayo illegally. As soon as the incident blew up, the NBA reportedly took matters into their hands and started a review. Such a development prompted rumors of the 24-year-old facing suspension.

Thankfully, that was not the case. The Hornets star walked away with a heavy fine of $60,000 ($35,000 for tripping Adebayo and $25,000 for cursing postgame). Thus, as things stand, the 2022 NBA All-Star will be available to suit up against the Hornets.

The following has come from the NBA review into LaMelo Ball from the Hornets and Heat game, per @ShamsCharania

– Fined $35,000 for his trip of Bam Adebayo
– Upgrading the action to a Flagrant
– Fining him $25,000 for cursing postgame

There is no suspension pic.twitter.com/gLygjbqEhi
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 16, 2026

This will surely be a massive confidence booster for Charlotte. This season, the former Rookie of the Year piled up 20.1 points and 7.1 assists. In the game against Miami, too, Ball played a deciding role, accounting for 30 minutes in just 40 minutes of play. He also had ten assists and five rebounds against his name.

Meanwhile, aside from Ball, the entire Hornets team looks like a tough side to beat for the Magic.

LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets Could Spell Danger For The Orlando Magic

The 24-year-old might be getting a lot of heat for his actions. But one cannot deny that he has done his job aptly. Ball’s impact on the game is something that cannot be comprehended from the box score. For example, his 12 of 31 shooting from the field and 2 of 16 from the threes might look pretty average.

Brandon Miller vs Miami:

23 PTS
5 REB
5 AST
2 BLK
5-10 3P

and his first postseason win. pic.twitter.com/hq5tdvLFHO
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 15, 2026

But he got a +15 in a 1-point triumph and also headed home the game-winner. Aiding him in his quest for victory will be Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. While Miller is the X-factor, Knueppel has been cynical in finding the basket more often than not in the game.

Thus, with the Hornets looking strong, fans will be excited to find out whether they can make it to the postseason.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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