Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball vs Chicago Bulls (Image via Getty) LaMelo Ball will play Wednesday night when the Charlotte Hornets face the Memphis Grizzlies at First Horizon Coliseum on January 28, 2026. He is expected to start and is not listed on the injury report.This game matters for Charlotte. The standings are tight, and games like this can shift momentum. When Ball is available, the Hornets look more organized and harder to defend. His return to the lineup removes any doubt about how Charlotte plans to approach this matchup.
LaMelo Ball injury report vs the Memphis Grizzlies (January 28, 2026)
LaMelo Ball is listed as an expected starter with no injury designation. There are no signs of a minutes limit. Charlotte is preparing for him to run the offense as usual.Earlier this month, Ball dealt with a right thumb contusion that briefly made him questionable against Orlando. He played through it, and there have been no issues since. With no new concerns reported, he enters the Memphis game fully cleared.
What Ball brings to Charlotte Hornets tonight
LaMelo Ball has been steady when healthy. In recent games, he has been around 20 points per night while handing out seven to eight assists, with solid rebounding numbers for a guard.Charlotte will rely on him to control tempo, push the ball in transition, and create open looks for Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges. With Ja Morant out for Memphis, Ball should have more freedom to dictate play at the top.If the Hornets want to win and cover the narrow spread, Ball will need to lead the way with scoring, playmaking, and late-game control.
LaMelo Ball’s Injury history and lineup context
Ball’s availability always draws attention because of his past ankle and hand injuries, which have limited his games played in recent seasons. Each healthy appearance is important for Charlotte’s rhythm.The Hornets are otherwise in good shape. Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel, and Moussa Diabate are all expected to start. While the lineup is balanced, Ball remains the key piece that holds it together.
Why this matchup matters
Memphis is without Morant but still has size and defense with Jaren Jackson Jr., Santi Aldama, and Jaylen Wells. That creates a contrast between Charlotte’s speed and Memphis’ interior presence.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Memphis Grizzlies injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 28, 2026)The projected total sits above 230 points, pointing toward a fast game with plenty of perimeter shots. Execution late could decide it. LaMelo Ball is playing. He is starting, he is healthy, and the Hornets are leaning on him to lead the offense. For Charlotte, this game begins and ends with the ball in his hands.