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Charlotte Hornets are facing yet another challenging night as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers in Monday’s interconference showdown. Unfortunately for the Hornets, their injury woes continue to pile up, with several key players ruled out — including LaMelo Ball and potentially Miles Bridges — adding to the team’s growing concerns early in the season.
Hornets struggling to stay healthy amid slow start
Charlotte enters Monday’s matchup with a 3-6 record, following a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Despite flashes of promise from the team’s younger core, consistency has been elusive, largely due to injuries that have hampered their rhythm and rotation.
The Charlotte Hornets will once again be short-handed, as five players appear on their latest injury report. Among the notable absences is LaMelo Ball, who continues to recover from a right ankle injury. The star guard has now been ruled out for his fourth consecutive game, leaving a major void in Charlotte’s offense and playmaking.
LaMelo Ball’s absence stretches Hornets’ depth
Ball’s continued absence has forced the Hornets to reshuffle their lineup, leaning heavily on Tre Mann, Collin Sexton, and Sion James to handle additional responsibilities. The trio stepped up in the team’s recent outings, with Mann impressing against Miami by recording 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Without Ball’s creativity and floor vision, Charlotte has relied more on ball movement and balanced scoring. However, the lack of a true floor general remains a glaring issue against experienced opponents like the Lakers.
Miles Bridges’ status remains uncertain
Adding to the uncertainty, Miles Bridges is listed as questionable due to back spasms. His status will be a game-time decision, and if he’s unable to suit up, the Charlotte Hornets’ frontcourt depth will take another hit.
In Bridges’ potential absence, Tidjane Salaun and Liam McNeeley could see increased minutes. Both players have shown flashes of energy and defensive effort, but the lack of veteran presence could make things difficult against a star-studded Lakers lineup.
Additional Injury concerns for Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets’ injury list doesn’t stop there. Brandon Miller, Josh Green, and Grant Williams have all been ruled out, further limiting the team’s options on both ends of the floor. Their unavailability leaves head coach with limited flexibility in managing rotations and matchups.
Hornets aim to overcome adversity against the Lakers
Despite the setbacks, Charlotte will look to make the most of their home-court advantage and compete with intensity against a Lakers team entering the game with a 7-3 record. For the Charlotte Hornets, the focus will be on player development, resilience, and finding consistency from their younger talents amid a difficult stretch.
Fans can tune in to Hornets vs. Lakers on Monday at 7:00 p.m. EST from Charlotte, hoping to see how the depleted Hornets respond to adversity.
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