SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is returning from a 20-game absence and will start against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.
Ball has not played since spraining his right ankle on Nov. 26 at Orlando. He had surgery on the same ankle last season, which limited him to 33 games.
The 22-year-old was upgraded to questionable Friday morning and was cleared after participating in the team's shootaround and pregame warmups.
Ball is averaging 24.7 points, 8.2 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 15 games this season.
The Hornets (8-27) are 3-17 since Ball was injured.
Charlotte has lost three straight entering the game that features Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, the top two picks in the draft.
The Associated Press
