Hornets Guard LaMelo Ball Expected to Play After Car Crash

Ball was involved in a two-car collision in Charlotte a day before the game against the Rockets.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is not listed on the team's injury report and is expected to play Thursday night against the Houston Rockets, one day after being involved in a two-car crash in Charlotte. Ball appeared to be driving through an intersection when his custom-made Hummer collided with another vehicle, but there were no reports of serious injuries.

Why it matters

Ball is a key player for the Hornets, who have won 10 of their last 11 games. Car crashes involving professional athletes in Charlotte have been a recurring issue, with former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and current backup Andy Dalton also being involved in accidents in the city.

The details

Video showed Ball's Hummer was missing its left front tire after the collision. The driver of the other vehicle involved calmly got out of their car and approached Ball's truck. A police report has not been made available, and there was no information on the condition of the other driver.

  • The crash occurred on Wednesday, the day before the Hornets' game against the Rockets.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets' starting point guard, who is a key player for the team as they have won 10 of their last 11 games.

Cam Newton

The former Carolina Panthers quarterback who fractured his back in a 2014 car crash in Charlotte, less than a mile from where Ball's crash occurred.

Andy Dalton

The current backup quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, who was involved in a two-car crash in Charlotte in 2024 and injured his thumb.

Bobby Phills

The former Hornets guard who was killed in a car crash at age 30 following a practice on Jan. 12, 2000.

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What they’re saying

“Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is not listed on the team's injury report and is expected to play Thursday night against the Houston Rockets, one day after being involved in a two-car crash in Charlotte.”

— Steve Reed, AP Sports Writer (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The Hornets will continue to monitor Ball's condition leading up to Thursday's game against the Rockets.

The takeaway

Car crashes involving professional athletes in Charlotte have been an ongoing issue, highlighting the need for improved road safety and driver awareness in the city. Despite his involvement in the accident, LaMelo Ball's expected return to the court demonstrates the resilience of top-tier athletes.