The Charlotte Hornets will play their NBA Cup group stage opener against the Miami Heat tonight. The team stands at a 3-5 record and is eager to stay competitive and push for a deep playoff run ahead. However, their young star, LaMelo Ball’s injury status, brings complications within the core.

LaMelo’s record-breaking performance against the Washington Wizards made him more valuable within the core. Ball’s ability to control the game’s tempo and set up teammates is a key to the Hornets’ success.

However, the team announced Tuesday that Ball is sidelined with a right ankle impingement. The injury made him sit out the past few games, including against the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans. However, Ball is possibly missing the opening match tonight, as team officials have listed him a

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