The Charlotte Hornets got a sliver of good news on Thursday morning. The NBA’s 8:30 a.m. injury report lists LaMelo Ball as questionable for tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks with a left ankle bone bruise. It’s the first real sign that the All-Star guard is close to a return after roughly two weeks on the shelf, and it comes at a time when Charlotte badly needs healthy playmakers.

The team’s own note captured the headline: “LaMelo Ball (L Ankle Bone Bruise) is questionable.” That update landed late Wednesday and rolled into the official morning report, putting a long-awaited green shoot on the Hornets’ bruised depth chart.

What Ball’s questionable tag really means today

Questionable means Ball has a real chance to suit up, but the final call likely comes after pregame testing and warmups. The update matters because it confirms progress. As one team note put it, “Ball looks like he is the closest to returning to live action than the other two players.” If that holds, Charlotte might get its lead guard back before the weekend.

Ball has been limited to just 16 games this season while battling ankle issues. When he is out, Charlotte’s pace, spacing, and shot quality all suffer. When he is in, the floor opens up for everyone else.

“If Melo’s ankle is right, this whole offense flips.”

Charlotte’s injury crunch isn’t over

The Hornets have been hit by injuries all fall, and the list for this game is still heavy. Multiple rotation pieces remain out:

• Pat Connaughton — right calf strain (out)
• Cam Thomas — left hamstring strain (out)
• Tre Mann — knee (out)
• Collin Sexton — quad (out)
• Grant Williams — knee (out)

That’s a lot of shooting, ball-handling, and defense on the shelf. It also explains why the staff has been cautious with Ball’s return. Coming back too soon helps no one, especially when the ankle has already cost him time this season and in years past.

Why Ball’s return changes the math

Even in a choppy year, the evidence is simple: when the main core plays together, Charlotte is competitive. The trio of Ball, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel is 4-4 when all three share the floor. That’s not a huge sample, but it’s real proof of concept for a group the franchise says it wants to build around.

Miller, in his second season, benefits most from Ball’s gravity. He gets cleaner catch-and-shoot looks and easier lanes when defenses have to respect Ball’s handle. Knueppel, a young wing the Hornets view as part of the future, thrives on the extra touches and spacing that Melo generates.

“Let the core cook — Ball, Miller, Knueppel need reps, not resets.”

Where the Hornets stand in the East

Charlotte enters the day 12th in the Eastern Conference. That’s within reach of the play-in conversation, but the margin is thin. The cleanest path forward is health. Ball’s limited 16-game slate has coincided with what the team calls career lows in some metrics. That isn’t a surprise when you’re in and out of the lineup and playing through pain. It’s hard to build rhythm when your ankle won’t let you plant the same way two nights in a row.

Still, there’s optimism in the building. With Ball nearing a return and the core showing balance in limited minutes, there’s a chance to steady the ship before the calendar flips.

Rumors vs. reality: Ball isn’t on the move

As the injuries piled up, the rumor mill started humming. But the team’s stance is clear: “Melo isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.” The Hornets are committed to Ball, Miller, and Knueppel as their core. Any real trade talk around Ball is more of a 2026 offseason question than a midseason headline. Ball has also knocked down the chatter himself.

That clarity matters. Players, coaches, and fans can measure progress without wondering if the long-term plan will shift week to week.

“No panic trades. Get healthy, then judge the group.”

Hawks outlook: Trae Young’s status looms large

It isn’t just Charlotte watching the clock. Atlanta has its own question mark. Trae Young is listed as questionable with a right knee MCL sprain. If he sits, the Hawks’ offense changes shape. If he plays, Charlotte’s guards will have their hands full chasing him over screens all night.

Across the broader league report, Kristaps Porzingis is also listed out with illness. That note doesn’t affect this matchup directly, but it underscores how bumpy the injury landscape is right now.

What to watch tonight

First, watch for the update window 60–90 minutes before tip. That’s usually when questionable players are ruled in or out after warmups. If Ball is cleared, also watch for a minute limit. It’s common for returning players to have a cap in their first game back, especially with ankle injuries. Short bursts, shorter stints, and frequent check-ins often signal a careful ramp-up.

Second, track how Brandon Miller is used. With Ball in, Miller can slide into more off-ball work, where his shooting pops. Without Ball, Miller will likely handle more on-ball creation. Either way, it’s a valuable rep for his growth.

Third, Charlotte’s shooters need to feed off drive-and-kick. When Ball collapses the paint, catch-and-shoot threes and quick second-side attacks should follow. With so many rotation players out, the Hornets need every clean look they can get.

Bottom line

After weeks of bad breaks, Thursday finally brought a hopeful one. The Hornets say Ball is questionable with a left ankle bone bruise for tonight’s visit to Atlanta, and internal signs point to him being the closest of their injured players to returning. The timing matters. Charlotte sits 12th in the East, the core has been steady when intact (4-4), and the schedule won’t slow down.

If Ball plays — even in a limited role — the Hornets get their engine back. If he sits one more night, the light at the end of the tunnel still looks brighter than it did a week ago. Either way, the direction is finally pointing forward.

For a team that’s been waiting on health, that’s progress you can feel.