Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball suffers FRACTURE in his ankle in win over the Detroit Pistons

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball fractured his right ankle during Charlotte’s 117-106 win over the visiting Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The former All-Star previously was slowed by left ankle injuries this season.

He’s already sprained his ankle three times this season – which has limited his appearances for the Hornets to only 36 games. 

Ball attempted to dribble the ball behind his back with 9:26 left in the third quarter when he went down without making contact with an opponent. 

He headed to the team’s locker room, and the Hornets announced postgame that an X-ray found the fracture. Ball had 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes prior to exiting.

Ball has already suffered three ankle sprains this season – limiting his games played to just 36

Charlotte won the game against the lowly Pistons – with Ball putting up 18 points in 21 minutes

The Hornets ruled Ball out of their Wednesday home game against the Phoenix Suns and stated that his status would be updated ‘as appropriate.’ 

Ball, 21, is averaging 23.3 points, 8.4 assists and 6.4 rebounds through 36 games this season after finishing with 18, five and six, respectively, on Monday. 

The 2021-22 All-Star is in his third NBA season, all with the Hornets. 

He has career averages of 19.4 points, 7.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds.

The Hornets (20-43) have won five consecutive games, moving them 4 1/2 games above the last-place Pistons in the Eastern Conference.