Pro Sports

Hornets awaiting MRI on LaMelo Ball's injured left ankle

Posted October 11, 2022 7:00 am

By STEVE REED

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is shaken up on a play in the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Washington Wizards in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Charlotte Hornets say All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball will have an MRI on Tuesday on his injured left ankle.

Ball left Monday night's game with what the team called a left ankle sprain after his foot was stepped on by Washington's Anthony Gill as he was driving toward the basket. Ball collapsed to the floor and remained there for several minutes before getting up, limping to the foul line and shooting two free throws. He then exited the game and headed to the locker room.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford said after practice that Ball and injured center Mason Plumlee (foot) will not travel with the team to Philadelphia for Wednesday night's preseason finale.

The Hornets open the regular season at San Antonio on Oct. 19.

Clifford said Terry Rozier would start at point guard if Ball is out for the season opener.

"Terry was the starting point guard on a team (the Boston Celtics in 2017-18) that went to the Eastern Conference finals," Clifford said. 'œIt's a role he is comfortable with and if that ends up being the situation, that is how we will do it.'ť

Clifford said he spoke with Ball, adding that he's in good spirits.

'œWe talked about whatever the plan is, you have to be on the rehab,'ť Clifford said. 'œThe better you are with it, the quicker you will get back. He was disappointed but very upbeat. It's just part of the NBA.'ť

Clifford said the injury would also mean Dennis Smith Jr. would see more playing time.

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives to the basket while guarded by Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) The Associated Press

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) signals to be subbed out of the game after being shaken up on a play in the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game against the Washington Wizards in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) The Associated Press

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) tries to block a shot from Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis in the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Oct. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman) The Associated Press

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