Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Milwaukee Bucks? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (January 2, 2025) | NBA News
LaMelo Ball is available for the Charlotte Hornets on January 2, 2026, against the Milwaukee Bucks. He is not listed on the injury report, confirming he is cleared to play after a season shaped by careful workload decisions tied to past ankle issues.Charlotte has taken a cautious approach with Ball all year, often erring on the side of rest when any concern appears. His clean status suggests the team is confident in how he has responded physically. With several rotation players unavailable, his role becomes even larger in this matchup.
Hornets vs Bucks Game details and matchup outlook January 2
The Hornets visit Milwaukee for an 8:00 PM ET tip-off in an Eastern Conference game that puts a young Charlotte roster against a proven Bucks team. Ball’s presence gives the Hornets structure and direction, especially in half-court offense and late-clock situations.Recent projections have LaMelo Ball around 26.5 points, six assists, and 6.5 made three-pointers. Those numbers reflect how much of Charlotte’s offense flows through him, particularly against a Bucks defense that can be tested by pull-up shooting and quick ball movement.
LaMelo Ball’s Official injury report status vs Milwaukee Bucks (January 2, 2026)
The NBA injury report lists no ankle, wrist, or other concerns for LaMelo Ball. His availability stands out given the number of frontcourt injuries Charlotte is dealing with, which shifts more responsibility to the backcourt.
| Team | Player | Status | Injury |
| Hornets | Miles Bridges | Probable | Right ankle sprain |
| Hornets | Moussa Diabaté | Questionable | Right wrist sprain |
| Hornets | Ryan Kalkbrenner | Out | Left elbow sprain |
| Hornets | Mason Plumlee | Out | Right groin surgery |
| Hornets | Grant Williams | Out | Right knee surgery |
| Bucks | Taurean Prince | Out | Neck surgery |
Recent stretch since returning
Since coming back from an earlier ankle bone bruise, LaMelo Ball has been productive. Over recent games, he has averaged more than 20 points, over six assists, and four or more three-pointers per game. One recent performance included 23 points with six made threes, even in a loss.His game remains built on shot-making range and passing vision. At the same time, his health remains closely watched after multiple ankle injuries over the past few seasons.Also read: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight vs the Charlotte Hornets? Latest update on the Milwaukee Bucks star’s injury report (January 2, 2026)Ball’s availability gives Charlotte its best chance to stay competitive. With Milwaukee missing some depth and the Hornets short-handed up front, the offense will lean heavily on him. If there are no quiet limits on his minutes, a high-usage night is likely, and the Hornets’ attack will run entirely through their point guard.
