The Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets released their final injury updates for the December 7 matchup, and fans are asking one question: Are LaMelo Ball and Nikola Jokic playing tonight? The availability of both stars shapes the storyline as the Nuggets visit Spectrum Center on Sunday.
Charlotte will be without its franchise guard again, while Denver’s MVP center remains cleared to play. The updates shift expectations for a game featuring a short-handed Hornets roster and a Nuggets team riding strong momentum.
LaMelo Ball and Nikola Jokic Injury Status Explained
The Hornets confirmed that LaMelo Ball is out for the December 7 game because of a left ankle bone bruise suffered against the Toronto Raptors. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Ball slipped while defending on the perimeter. Team medical staff evaluated him immediately before ruling him out for the upcoming schedule.
Ball has faced recurring ankle problems over the past two seasons. He played only 22 games in the 2022 to 2023 season due to a right ankle injury. He then appeared in 47 games last year following another issue with his left ankle. His current setback adds another interruption to a promising season in Charlotte.
Along with Ball, the Hornets remain without several key rotation players. Collin Sexton is out with a thigh injury. Grant Williams is sidelined with a knee issue. Tre Mann, Josh Green, and Pat Connaughton are also unavailable because of knee, shoulder, and calf problems. Rookie forward Moussa Diabete is listed as questionable due to knee soreness.
On the Denver side, Nikola Jokic is available. He continues to play through a wrist sprain but has not shown a decline in form. Jokic scored 40 points with nine rebounds and eight assists in the win over the Atlanta Hawks on December 6. He is averaging 29.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11 assists per game this season while shooting over 60 percent from the field.
Jamal Murray is also available despite recent ankle discomfort. The Nuggets, however, will miss Aaron Gordon for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Christian Braun and Julian Strawther remain out as well.
What the Availability Means for the Matchup
The Hornets lose their top playmaker and primary offensive engine without LaMelo Ball. Charlotte will rely heavily on Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel to generate offense. Miles Bridges, KJ Simpson, and Ryan Kalkbrenner will also need to absorb more responsibility in both scoring and playmaking.
The Nuggets gain stability with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray active. Jokic has dominated past matchups with the Hornets, averaging more than 22 points and 13 rebounds across 20 career games. Denver’s balance, size, and continuity give them a clear advantage over a depleted Hornets lineup.
The injury report suggests a challenging night for Charlotte. Denver brings depth, momentum, and elite production from its stars. The Hornets will look for defensive energy, transition scoring, and contributions from younger players to keep the contest competitive. The availability of Jokic and the absence of Ball create a clear contrast in expectations for Sunday evening.
The matchup now centers on whether Charlotte can compensate for LaMelo Ball’s absence and whether Nikola Jokic continues his dominant run. The final injury update positions Denver as the stronger side entering the December 7 meeting.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight against the Nuggets?
No. LaMelo Ball is out with a left ankle bone bruise suffered against Toronto on December 6.
Q2: Is Nikola Jokic playing tonight?
Yes. Nikola Jokic is available and continues to play through a wrist sprain.
Q3: Who else is out for the Hornets?
Collin Sexton, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, Josh Green, and Pat Connaughton are all out.
Q4: Which Nuggets players are unavailable?
Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther are sidelined for the December 7 game.
Q5: What time does the Nuggets vs Hornets game start?
The game begins on December 7 at 6 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center.
iNews covers the latest and most impactful stories across
entertainment,
business,
sports,
politics, and
technology,
from AI breakthroughs to major global developments. Stay updated with the trends shaping our world. For news tips, editorial feedback, or professional inquiries, please email us at
[email protected].
Get the latest news and Breaking News first by following us on
Google News,
Twitter,
Facebook,
Telegram
, and subscribe to our
YouTube channel.