Star point guard LaMelo Ball is officially ready to lead the Charlotte Hornets into a challenging road game against the Western Conference powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, January 5, 2026. The Hornets have confirmed his availability, with Ball's name notably absent from the team's injury report, setting the stage for his usual starting role.
Ball's Form and Hornets' Injury Concerns
Ball enters this contest riding a wave of positive momentum from his previous performance. In the Hornets' last outing against the Chicago Bulls, he delivered a solid all-around effort, posting 17 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Crucially, he showed no signs of physical limitation, a promising sign for Charlotte as they prepare to face one of the league's elite defensive units.
For the season, Ball continues to be the central figure for the Hornets' offense, averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. His role as the primary decision-maker in half-court sets remains undiminished.
However, the Hornets' roster is dealing with several other health issues. The team's injury report lists multiple players:
- Brandon Miller (Probable - Knee contusion)
- Kon Knueppel (Questionable - Hip contusion)
- Moussa Diabate (Questionable - Wrist sprain)
- Tidjane Salaun (Questionable - Ankle soreness)
More significantly, Charlotte will be without big men Ryan Kalkbrenner (Elbow), Mason Plumlee (Groin surgery), and Grant Williams (Knee). This shortage in the frontcourt could lead to increased minutes for PJ Hall against Oklahoma City's physical lineup.
Thunder's Dominance and Matchup Outlook
The challenge facing the Hornets is monumental. They enter the game with a record of 12 wins and 23 losses, while the Thunder boast an impressive 30-6 mark and have lost only a single game at home all season. Oklahoma City's success is built on a formidable defense that excels at forcing turnovers and disrupting opponents' offensive rhythm.
The Thunder have their own injury absences to manage, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Ousmane Dieng both ruled out due to calf injuries. Veteran guard Alex Caruso is also being monitored for a back issue. Despite these setbacks, the team's core remains intact, anchored by the superstar duo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
This will be the second meeting between these teams this season. In their previous encounter in Oklahoma City, the Hornets managed to keep the game competitive, even tying the score in the third quarter before the Thunder's depth and execution allowed them to pull away for a late victory.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Fans in India and globally can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and via NBA League Pass.
While the Thunder are heavily favoured on their home court, the confirmed presence of LaMelo Ball provides the Hornets with their best chance to engineer an upset. His creativity and scoring ability are essential if Charlotte hopes to withstand Oklahoma City's defensive pressure and keep the game within reach into the final minutes.
