LaMelo Ball Probable for Friday Return After Five-Game Ankle Absence

LaMelo Ball (ankle) is probable for Friday's game in Milwaukee, signaling his expected return from a five-game absence. The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets guard, who signed a five-year, $205.9 million extension in July 2023, is projected to return on November 14, 2025. His 2025 season stats include 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks. His return will likely shift Collin Sexton or Sion James to the second unit and reduce Tre Mann's minutes. Ball, born August 22, 2001, is the son of LaVar and Tina Ball, with brother Lonzo also an NBA point guard. He gained early fame through the "Ball in the Family" reality show and became the youngest athlete with a signature shoe (Melo Ball 1) from Big Baller Brand. Prior to the NBA, he played professionally in Lithuania (Vytautas Prienu, 2017-18) and Australia (Illawarra NBL), opting for international play instead of college.