LaMelo Ball's Availability is Key for Hornets' Play-In Aspirations in 2025-26

The Charlotte Hornets' 2025-26 season hinges on the availability and performance of their star point guard, LaMelo Ball. Ball has played more than 51 games only once in his five-year career, largely due to persistent ankle injuries. Last season, the Hornets struggled significantly without him, going 3-32 in games he missed and being outscored by 13.3 points per 100 possessions. In the 47 games he did play, the team went 16-31 and was outscored by 3.9 points per 100 possessions. The Hornets need to assess if Ball and No. 2 pick Brandon Miller, who missed the final three months of last season with wrist surgery, can form a cohesive core. Both players are reportedly healthy entering training camp. The team has added veteran talent like Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie to provide complementary ball-handling and scoring, with Mark Williams and Nick Richards being among notable subtractions. Second-year coach Charles Lee aims to implement an uptempo style. The best-case scenario involves Ball and Miller staying healthy and developing, leading the Hornets to the play-in tournament. If Ball can't stay on the floor, and the offense and defense remain in the bottom 10, the Hornets will likely find themselves in the lottery again. The team's over/under win total is set at 27.5.