Is LaMelo Ball playing tonight vs the Oklahoma City Thunder? Latest update on the Charlotte Hornerts star's injury report (Jan 5, 2026)

LaMelo Ball is expected to play Monday night when the Charlotte Hornets visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 5, 2026. He is not listed on the Hornets’ injury report and is set to start as usual.Ball is coming off a solid outing against Chicago, finishing with 17 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. There were no signs of limitation in that game, and Charlotte will again lean on him to control the offense against one of the league’s best teams.The Hornets enter the night at 12-23, while Oklahoma City sits at 30-6 and has lost just once at home all season. The Thunder have built that record on defense, forcing turnovers and limiting clean looks.

Charlotte has already seen that pressure once this season in Oklahoma City, where the game was tied in the third quarter before the Thunder pulled away late.Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM ET at Paycom Center. The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and NBA League Pass.

LaMelo Ball’s status and role vs Oklahoma City Thunder (January 5, 2026)

LaMelo Ball’s availability has been confirmed across the board. His season has had some uneven stretches, but his overall numbers remain steady.

He is averaging 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, and he continues to be the primary decision-maker in Charlotte’s half-court sets.

Against Chicago, he shot 7-of-15 from the field and stayed active defensively. Charlotte will need that same level of control against Oklahoma City’s perimeter defenders.

Charlotte Hornets injury report

Charlotte is thin in the frontcourt, which could lead to more minutes for PJ Hall against a physical Thunder lineup.

Thunder availability and matchup outlook

Oklahoma City will be without Isaiah Hartenstein and Ousmane Dieng, both out with calf injuries. Alex Caruso is being monitored due to a back issue. Even with those absences, the Thunder remain anchored by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder injury report January 5, 2026: Who's out, where to watch, game breakdown, and more at Paycom CenterOklahoma City enters as a heavy favorite, but Ball’s presence gives Charlotte its best chance to stay competitive and keep the game within reach.