In a significant boost for the Charlotte Hornets, star point guard LaMelo Ball is expected to be in the lineup when his team hosts the Toronto Raptors at the Spectrum Center on January 7, 2026. The latest official injury report does not feature his name, clearing the path for his participation despite a recent ankle bone bruise.
Injury Report and Projected Lineups
Ball, who has been playing regularly since the middle of December, is anticipated to start without any minutes restriction. His availability is crucial for a Hornets team desperate for victories to improve their standing. The projected starting five for Charlotte includes LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté.
Brandon Miller is marked as probable due to a knee concern but is also expected to suit up. However, the Hornets' frontcourt depth will be tested. Mason Plumlee (groin surgery), Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow injury), and Tidjane Salaün (ankle, questionable) are all sidelined, leaving the team thin in the paint.
The Raptors are dealing with a major absence of their own. Starting center Jakob Poeltl is out with a back injury. This will likely force Toronto to deploy more small-ball configurations, increasing the interior responsibilities for Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Ball's Impact and Recent Form
LaMelo Ball's influence on the Hornets' offense is undeniable. When he is on the court, the playmaking and stability of the team see a marked improvement. Since his return from the ankle issue, his performance has been consistently high-level.
Over the last seven games, Ball has been averaging 22.4 points, 7.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and an impressive 5.3 three-pointers per game. He has crossed the 20-point mark multiple times in this stretch and has made six or more three-pointers in three games this season. His deep shooting range stretches defenses and creates opportunities for his teammates.
Game Context and Season Outlook
The Hornets, with a record of 13 wins and 23 losses, currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. They are riding momentum from comfortable wins against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls. The Raptors, in contrast, are a formidable opponent with a 22-15 record, placing them fourth in the East.
Toronto's defense is among the league's best, but Poeltl's absence could open driving and pick-and-roll lanes for Ball. Key individual battles will feature Ball against Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley and a marquee forward duel between Miles Bridges and Scottie Barnes.
The season series is tied at one game apiece. Toronto secured a narrow two-point victory in the first meeting, while Charlotte responded with an overtime win in the second. For this upcoming game, sportsbooks favor the Raptors by 4.5 points, with the total points over/under set at 232.5. Ball, who averages 19.8 points and 8.2 assists this season, is poised for another high-usage performance if the contest remains close.
