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Charlotte Hornets head into Thursday night’s home matchup against the Atlanta Hawks with key availability questions looming, most notably surrounding LaMelo Ball. As the Eastern Conference race remains tightly packed, Charlotte’s injury situation adds another layer of intrigue to a game that could test their resilience against a revitalized Hawks side.
LaMelo Ball listed as questionable
LaMelo Ball is officially listed as questionable for tonight’s contest at Spectrum Center, placing his status firmly in doubt as tip-off approaches. Ball’s potential absence would be a major setback for a Hornets team that has struggled to find consistency throughout the season. When available, Ball remains the focal point of Charlotte’s offense, driving pace, shot creation, and playmaking.
Charlotte will likely wait until closer to game time to make a final determination, but the questionable tag suggests the team is weighing long-term health against immediate competitiveness. With Atlanta welcoming back Trae Young, Ball’s availability could heavily influence how competitive this matchup becomes.
Charlotte Hornets already missing multiple contributors
Charlotte’s injury report confirms that Pat Connaughton, Tre Mann, and Collin Sexton will all miss the game. The absence of those three further limits depth in both the backcourt and on the wing, forcing Hornets to rely on younger players and role contributors to absorb additional minutes.
Despite the setbacks, there have been some encouraging signs for Charlotte this season. Rookie Kon Knueppel has shown flashes of development, providing energy and scoring spurts that have stood out during an otherwise challenging campaign. However, Charlotte Hornets’ overall record reflects continued struggles, as they enter the game at 8–18.
Hawks gaining momentum at the right time
Atlanta arrive in Charlotte with renewed optimism after weathering a lengthy stretch without Trae Young. In his absence, the Hawks leaned into a more team-oriented offensive approach, empowering players like Jalen Johnson while seeing growth from Onyeka Okongwu and Vit Krejci off the bench. That collective effort has kept Atlanta afloat in the standings, positioning them as the seventh seed and within striking distance of the top four.
Young’s return adds another challenge for Charlotte’s defense, particularly if Ball is unavailable. The Hawks will be eager to capitalize on any mismatch and continue their push up the Eastern Conference standings.
Game information and how to watch
Charlotte Hornets will host the Hawks tonight with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and NBATV.
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