Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball is set to play for the Charlotte Hornets against the Dallas Mavericks on January 29, 2026. His name is not on the latest injury report, so the team expects him to be available and in the starting lineup unless something changes right before tip-off.This matters because the offense runs through him. When he plays, he brings the ball up, creates shots for others, and decides the pace. After earlier missed games this season, this points to a normal workload.
What LaMelo Ball’s latest injury report shows vs Dallas Mavericks (January 29, 2026)
The most recent league update does not list LaMelo Ball as out, doubtful, questionable, or probable. That means he is fully cleared to play. He also appeared in Charlotte’s previous game with no new issues reported afterward. There have been no fresh updates about the ankle or hand problems that bothered him earlier in the season. Right now, it is just normal soreness management, not recovery from an active injury.
LaMelo Ball’s Expected role and minutes
With LaMelo Ball available, head coach Charles Lee is expected to use him as the main ball handler. He should play around 30 to 35 minutes and run most of the half-court offense. He will control pick-and-rolls, push the ball after rebounds, and look for shooters on the wings. The ball will be in his hands for most key possessions.
Matchup against Dallas’ backcourt
The Dallas Mavericks have had stretches where they struggle to contain quick guards in space. That gives him chances to attack off the dribble and find open teammates when the defense collapses.At the same time, he will share the floor with high-usage guards like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, so the game could be decided by which side’s guards create better shots.
No sign of a minutes limit
There is no public report of any cap on his playing time. When LaMelo Ball has been active this season, his shot attempts and assist numbers have stayed high. Even when his jumper is off, he still handles the ball and sets up others.That suggests the team plans to use him as usual rather than ease him in.
Watching for late changes
Final decisions can still change close to game time. Teams sometimes adjust after pre-game warmups if a player feels discomfort. If anything were to change, it would likely be due to sudden soreness or caution, not a new injury, since there have been no warning signs leading into this game.
Chance for Charlotte Hornets to build steady form
This game gives him a chance to string together healthy performances after an uneven start to the season. Dallas has shown gaps on the perimeter, which could open space for passes, pull-up threes, and drives to the rim.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Dallas Mavericks injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 29, 2026)For the Charlotte Hornets, having him on the floor changes how the team functions. For viewers following the NBA, it is a look at Charlotte with its main playmaker active and running the offense from the opening tip.