Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball will play when the Charlotte Hornets take on the Atlanta Hawks on February 7, 2026, at State Farm Arena. He is active and expected to start at point guard.The Hornets have not listed Ball as out or questionable on the latest injury report. He is set to handle his usual responsibilities as Charlotte’s primary ball-handler with no reported restriction on his minutes.
LaMelo Ball Latest injury status vs the Atlanta Hawks (February 7, 2026)
LaMelo Ball enters the game without a new injury concern. Earlier in the week, he suffered an eye cut and a neck jolt after colliding with head coach Charles Lee while chasing a loose ball against the New Orleans Pelicans. He was cleared to return in that game and has continued to play heavy minutes since then without any issue.Charlotte has moved him back into a full workload, and there are no medical concerns ahead of tip-off. He is expected to operate normally within the rotation.
What LaMelo Ball brings to Charlotte Hornets tonight
Ball has been the main driver of the Hornets’ offense this season. He is averaging about 18.2 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game while making around 3.7 three-pointers per contest.Charlotte enters the matchup on an eight-game winning streak and is trying to close the gap in the Eastern Conference play-in race. Ball is likely to push the pace, look for mismatches, and take early three-point shots while setting up Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Miles Bridges.Atlanta may defend him high on the floor and force tougher jump shots, which makes ball control important.
Charlotte Hornets’ lineup context
Charlotte is not dealing with any major absences, so Ball should not face an increased workload beyond his normal role.PlayerPositionKey Production LaMelo Ball PG Primary ball-handler and playmaker Brandon Miller SF ~20.7 points per game Kon Knueppel SG ~18.2 points, 6.0 rebounds Miles Bridges PF 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds Moussa Diabaté C 7.3 points, 8.0 rebounds
Why this game matters for Ball
The game is another step in Ball’s progress after earlier ankle issues, with the focus now on efficiency and decision-making. A strong outing against a Hawks defense that can switch but sometimes overcommit on ball screens would reinforce his role as a key piece for Charlotte Hornets.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 7, 2026)Watch his tempo early, his three-point attempts, and how he handles traps in the pick-and-roll. Unless there is a late change to the injury report, Ball is expected to be in the starting lineup.