Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball will play on Monday night when the Charlotte Hornets host the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. He is active, expected to start, and is not listed on the injury report.Pregame betting lines also indicate he will handle his usual role. His points total is set at around 18.5, which aligns with a normal workload.
LaMelo Ball’s Injury update vs Detroit Pistons after collision earlier this week (February 9, 2026)
LaMelo Ball briefly left a recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans after colliding with head coach Charles Lee while chasing a loose ball. He suffered a cut above his right eye along with a minor neck jolt.He was checked in the locker room, cleared, and returned to the game. Since then, he has continued to play regular minutes without visible limitations. There are no reported restrictions involving his ankle, wrist, eye, or neck entering this matchup.Ball has logged roughly 27–31 minutes per game in recent outings. This season, he is averaging about 19.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. While the scoring is slightly lower than his peak seasons, he remains Charlotte’s primary ball handler and offensive organizer.
What his availability means for this matchup
Charlotte Hornets enter the contest on a nine-game winning streak, its longest since the early 2020s. Ball has scored 19, 20, and 24 points in his last three games and has made multiple three-pointers in eight straight appearances.Detroit will present a stronger defensive test. The Pistons are near the top of the Eastern Conference and rely on Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson to control the perimeter.The scoring line near 18.5 points suggests expectations that Ball will carry a large share of the offense as both a scorer and playmaker.
Ball’s role in Charlotte Hornets’ system
LaMelo Ball directs the pace of the Hornets’ offense. His passing creates open looks, his shooting range forces defenders to extend coverage, and his drives help open the floor for teammates.Even with a slight drop in efficiency from last season, the offense continues to run through him.
Quick injury-report snapshot – Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball is the only Charlotte star whose status drew attention before this game, and he is cleared to play. Other rotation players are dealing with minor issues, but none are expected to change how the team operates offensively.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Detroit Pistons injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 9, 2026)With Charlotte fighting for playoff position and Detroit trying to stay near the top of the conference, Ball is expected to be involved in most possessions from the start.