Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Denver Nuggets? Latest update on Charlotte Hornets star's injury report (January 18, 2026)

The Charlotte Hornets will face the Denver Nuggets on January 18, 2026, at Ball Arena, and LaMelo Ball is expected to play. He is not listed on the injury report and is projected to start, according to the latest team updates.

This clears any concern about his availability after a busy West Coast road trip.Charlotte sees this game as a chance to end the trip on a steady note. The Hornets have shown better structure in recent games, even in losses, and Ball’s presence gives them control in the half court. He is expected to start alongside Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges, keeping the rotation unchanged.

How LaMelo Ball has been driving Charlotte Hornets offense

LaMelo Ball has been the main reason Charlotte Hornets stayed competitive on the road.

Over the Western trip, he averaged 21.8 points while handling most of the playmaking duties. His best outing came against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he finished with 30 points and 11 assists. That performance reflected his growing comfort in managing the pace late in games.On the season, Ball is averaging 20.2 points and 7.6 assists per game. In January, his scoring has stayed near 20 points per night as Charlotte opened the month with a 4-5 record.

Teammate Miles Bridges pointed out that Ball is making better decisions in close moments, choosing when to score and when to pass instead of forcing shots.

LaMelo Ball's Injury report vs Denver Nuggets (January 18, 2026)

Charlotte Hornets’ injury list is lighter compared to Denver’s. LaMelo Ball has no restrictions. Moussa Diabaté is listed as questionable with a hamstring issue, while Mason Plumlee remains out after undergoing groin surgery.Denver is dealing with more significant absences. Nikola Jokić is sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected back until February.

Christian Braun is also out with an ankle injury. These losses place more responsibility on Denver’s guards, especially Jamal Murray, who recently scored 42 points and remains their main scoring option.

Hornets vs Nuggets Game context and outlook

The Hornets enter the game with a 15-27 record. They beat the Lakers and Jazz on this trip but lost to Golden State, making this final game important for balance and confidence. Denver stands at 29-13 and is tied for second in the Western Conference.

Even without key players, the Nuggets have won four straight games and remain difficult to beat at home.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 18, 2026)Denver is favored by 3.5 points, largely due to home court and depth. Still, Ball’s control of the offense gives Charlotte a chance to stay close if they defend well and limit turnovers. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET and will air on NBA TV and local broadcasts.