Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball is expected to play on January 7, 2026, when the Charlotte Hornets face the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center. He is not listed on the latest injury report. Although he has been dealing with an ankle bone bruise, he has played regularly since mid-December.Charlotte needs wins, and Ball’s presence matters. When he is on the floor, the offense runs through him and looks more stable. With no minutes restriction expected, the focus now shifts to how the Hornets handle a strong Raptors team.
LaMelo Ball’s Status and Hornets Injuries vs Toronto Raptors (January 7, 2026)
LaMelo Ball is expected to start at point guard. The projected starting lineup includes Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabaté. Miller is listed as probable with a knee issue but is expected to play.Charlotte Hornets will be without several rotation players. Mason Plumlee remains out after groin surgery. Ryan Kalkbrenner is sidelined with an elbow injury. Tidjane Salaün is questionable due to an ankle issue. These absences leave the Hornets thin in the frontcourt.
Toronto Raptors Injury Situation vs Charlotte Hornets (January 7, 2026)
Toronto Raptors will also be missing an important piece. Jakob Poeltl is out with a back injury. His absence shifts more responsibility to Scottie Barnes and Sandro Mamukelashvili inside. The Raptors are expected to rely more on small-ball lineups and perimeter defense as a result.LaMelo Ball’s Recent FormSince returning from his ankle issue, LaMelo Ball has produced steady numbers. Over his last seven games, he is averaging 22.4 points, 7.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.3 made three-pointers per game. He has scored 20 or more points multiple times during that stretch.Ball has made six or more three-pointers in three games this season. His shooting range forces defenses to stretch, and his passing continues to create open looks for teammates. Earlier games against Toronto showed his ability to keep Charlotte competitive.
Game Context and Matchups
The Hornets enter the game with a 13–23 record, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are 22–15 and fourth in the East. Charlotte is coming off wins against Oklahoma City and Chicago, both by comfortable margins.Toronto’s defense ranks near the top of the league. Without Poeltl, however, Ball may find more space in pick-and-roll situations. A key matchup will be Ball against Immanuel Quickley, while Bridges and Barnes are expected to see heavy minutes against each other.
Season Series Outlook
The teams have split their previous meetings. Toronto won the first game by two points. Charlotte answered with an overtime win in the second matchup.Toronto is favored by 4.5 points, with the total set at 232.5. Ball is averaging 19.8 points and 8.2 assists this season, and another high-usage night is likely if the game stays close.