The Charlotte Hornets could be without two key players for their game against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. Charlotte will host Indiana less than 24 hours after a 97-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller’s statuses for the Pacers-Hornets showdown are uncertain.
This season, Ball and Miller have already missed multiple games due to significant injuries, making the Hornets extra cautious. Ball has not played in 11 games, mainly due to recurring issues in his surgically repaired right ankle. His status for the Pacers game is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Miller sat out from Oct. 26 to Nov. 23 due to a right shoulder injury. Although the Charlotte Hornets have not restricted his minutes, they have kept him out of a few back-to-back games. He did not play on Wednesday against the Raptors due to a knee contusion, making his status uncertain.
If both are out, the remaining healthy players have to step up. LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.7 points, 7.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Although he has struggled this month, putting up 15.0 ppg, 5.3 apg and 3.3 rpg, he remains one of their best players.
Brandon Miller has had impressive two-way impact for the Charlotte Hornets. He is averaging 20.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.3 apg. Miller is making 40.5% of his shots, including 36.0% from 3-point distance.
Charlotte Hornets look to bounce back against Indiana Pacers with or without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller
The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Indiana Pacers 127-118 in their first meeting on Nov. 19. Charlotte trailed by 24 points before a big fourth quarter made the final score more decent.
Without Brandon Miller, rookie Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 28 points on 11-for-20 shooting, including 5-for-12 from deep. LaMelo Ball contributed 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. However, Ball committed six of his team’s 13 turnovers.
To get some payback in the rematch, the Hornets must limit their turnovers and prevent the speedy Pacers from piling up transition points.
Charlotte must also continue to dominate the boards. After winning the rebounding battle 48-43, including 22-10 in the offensive glass, the Hornets need to keep the same advantage.
The Charlotte Hornets have been playing well heading into the rematch against the Indiana Pacers. Before the close loss to the Raptors, they were on a two-game winning run, which included a 124-97 beatdown of the OKC Thunder in Oklahoma.
With or without LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, they hope to bounce back with a win.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
