Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Miami Heat? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornets star’s injury report (November 7, 2025)

The Charlotte Hornets’ hopes of turning their season around took another hit ahead of their November 7, 2025 matchup against the Miami Heat, as star point guard LaMelo Ball was officially ruled out due to a right ankle impingement. This marks at least the third consecutive game Ball has missed, continuing a frustrating stretch that dates back to last season.

Despite undergoing offseason surgery meant to stabilize the ankle, the lingering discomfort has resurfaced, raising concerns about his long-term durability and recovery timeline.For the Charlotte Hornets, Ball’s absence couldn’t come at a worse time. The team has struggled to find consistent rhythm on both ends of the floor, and losing their offensive engine only deepens the challenge. Ball’s unique blend of playmaking flair, scoring, and leadership has been the foundation of Charlotte’s attack since his arrival in the league.

Without him, the Hornets’ offensive flow and tempo take a noticeable hit, forcing secondary players to assume bigger roles under difficult circumstances.

LaMelo Ball’s Injury Status vs the Miami Heat (November 7, 2025)

LaMelo Ball’s ankle injury remains a recurring concern that has carried over from previous seasons. Even after undergoing surgery in the summer to correct the problem, he continues to experience setbacks. The Charlotte Hornets have listed him as doubtful and later marked him questionable for the Miami clash, but ultimately, medical staff decided to keep him sidelined for precautionary reasons.

As of now, there is no clear timetable for his return, which has left both fans and analysts uncertain about when the young star will take the court again.

Before the injury, LaMelo Ball was performing at an elite level, averaging 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Those numbers highlight how essential he is to Charlotte’s offensive system, often serving as both the primary scorer and playmaker. His ability to control the pace, create open looks for teammates, and score efficiently made him the heartbeat of the Charlotte Hornets’ offense.

Hornets Facing Depth Issues Amid Multiple Injuries

LaMelo Ball isn’t the only Hornets player unavailable for the Heat matchup. Charlotte’s injury report is stacked with key names, including Brandon Miller (shoulder injury), Collin Sexton (neck strain), Josh Green (shoulder surgery), and Grant Williams (knee surgery). These absences have stretched the Charlotte Hornets’ depth thin, forcing coach Steve Clifford to experiment with lineups and rotations.In Ball’s absence, the offensive duties fall primarily on guards like Tre Mann and Collin Sexton - when healthy - to facilitate plays and create scoring opportunities.

However, without their lead playmaker, Charlotte’s ball movement and spacing have often suffered, resulting in inconsistent offensive performances.

Tough Test Against the Short-Handed Heat

The Miami Heat are also missing key players, with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro sidelined due to injuries. Still, Miami’s defensive discipline and veteran leadership make them a tough opponent, especially for a Hornets squad lacking cohesion. Without Ball’s vision and creativity, Charlotte’s scoring options are limited, and the pressure mounts on role players to deliver.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat regular season game: Full injury report, who's out, and more (November 7, 2025)As the Charlotte Hornets prepare for the matchup, the uncertainty surrounding LaMelo Ball’s recovery continues to cast a shadow over their early-season ambitions. His absence not only impacts their win-loss record but also their hopes of building early momentum toward playoff contention. Fans remain hopeful that their young star will recover soon, but the current outlook remains cautiously pessimistic as the team navigates another stretch without its leader on the court.