CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 09: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half of a basketball game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

...

Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

After a slow start to the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets have been one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the All-Star break.

With nine wins in their last 10 games, the Hornets are looking to keep the iron hot when they return from the break, while possessing a 26-29 record, sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference.

On Wednesday, the team had a bit of an injury scare. The star guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a car accident in North Carolina. Based on the Hornets’ injury report, Ball isn’t expected to miss time when the season resumes.

Read More on NBA

Hornets vs Rockets Injury Report

Hornets

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 05: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets goes up for a shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on February 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

...

According to the Charlotte Observer’s Rod Boone, LaMelo Ball is “fine” and did not sustain any injuries during the car accident.

The healthy streak will seemingly continue for Ball on Thursday night. The veteran guard hasn’t missed a game since December 14. This season, Ball is on pace to exceed the 47 games he played last year. With 45 games in the bag, Ball has posted averages of 19.3 points on 40 percent shooting, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.

The Hornets will continue to miss Bridges and Diabate due to their involvement in the on-court brawl between the Hornets and the Detroit Pistons before the All-Star break.

Rockets

The Rockets suffered a key injury recently, losing the veteran guard Steven Adams for the remainder of the season.

As for VanVleet, he hasn’t played all season long. Before the 2025-2026 season tipped off, he suffered a knee injury, which instantly put his availability for the year in jeopardy. The Rockets have been going through a lot of adjustments while missing their veteran guard, but moving ahead without VanVleet won’t feel much different for Houston, as they’ve been playing without him all year long.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines