The Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets meet again Thursday night in NBA Cup group play, and both teams enter this matchup with key rotation questions, especially in Charlotte, where LaMelo Ball’s status remains uncertain . The star point guard is officially listed as questionable with a right ankle impingement, the latest in a series of lower-body issues that have impacted his availability dating back to last season.

Charlotte is already short-handed , with Brandon Miller (shoulder) and Josh Green (shoulder) both ruled out and Grant Williams (knee) sidelined following surgery. The Hornets enter the matchup 3-5, and with roster stability scarce, Ball’s presence, or absence, significantly alters the offensive structure. Expand Tweet

Through six games this season, Ball is averaging 2

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