LaMelo Ball of Charlotte Hornets (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball will play for the Charlotte Hornets against the Houston Rockets on February 19, 2026. He is not on the injury report. Earlier this week, he was involved in a minor car accident but did not suffer any injuries.Charlotte comes into this game in good form, with nine wins in their last eleven. Ball has led that stretch along with Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. There are no limits expected on his minutes.
LaMelo Ball’s injury report vs the Houston Rockets (February 19, 2026)
LaMelo Ball will start at point guard and continue as the team’s main creator. There are no concerns about his availability.He remains central to Charlotte’s offense. He handles the ball, creates shots, and sets up teammates. His connection with Miller and Knueppel has been consistent during this run.
Charlotte Hornets short-handed around their core
Charlotte Hornets are missing several players, which increases Ball’s role. • Miles Bridges – out (league suspension) • Moussa Diabate – out (league suspension) • Liam McNeeley – out (left ankle sprain) • Coby White – out (left calf strain)The expected starting group is Ball, Miller, Knueppel, Grant Williams, and Ryan Kalkbrenner. Collin Sexton should see minutes off the bench.Charlotte will rely on Ball to run pick-and-roll with Kalkbrenner and create open shots for Miller and Knueppel.
Rockets still without key players (February 19, 2026)
Houston has no new injuries for this game but remains without a few players for the season. • Fred VanVleet – out (right knee ACL recovery) • Steven Adams – out (left ankle surgery) • Tristen Newton – out (G League assignment)The Rockets will depend on Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson. Their focus is on defense and rebounding.
Matchup focus: LaMelo Ball against Houston’s defense
Houston is likely to pressure Ball with size and switches. They will try to force him to give up the ball.Charlotte needs to space the floor well. If Ball moves the ball quickly, they can still get good shots. Houston will try to control the paint and win rebounds.
LaMelo Ball’s form this season
Ball has been steady this season. He is scoring in the high teens and adding assists and rebounds. He has been making threes regularly and creating chances for teammates. His late-game decisions have also been more controlled.
Quick reference: Who’s playing in tonight’s Hornets vs Rockets game? (February 19, 2026)
TeamStar/Key Players (relevant to tonight)Tonight’s Status vs Rockets/HornetsSource Hornets LaMelo Ball Expected to play, not on injury report — Hornets Brandon Miller Available, key scorer — Hornets Kon Knueppel Available, in projected lineup — Hornets Grant Williams Available, projected starter — Hornets Ryan Kalkbrenner Available, projected starter — Hornets Miles Bridges Out – league suspension — Hornets Moussa Diabate Out – league suspension — Hornets Liam McNeeley Out – left ankle sprain — Hornets Coby White Out – left calf strain — Rockets Fred VanVleet Out for season – right knee ACL repair — Rockets Steven Adams Out for season – left ankle surgery — Rockets Tristen Newton Out – G League assignment —Also read: Houston Rockets vs Charlotte Hornets injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (February 19, 2026)Ball is expected to start unless there is a late change before the game.