Despite what Lonzo Ball said after practice on Friday, the 22-year-old will be inactive when the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Charlotte Hornets Saturday at the Spectrum Center due to a right adductor strain he suffered against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week.
This marks the first time Ball has missed a game this season after missing 65 games over the last two seasons, including 35 games last season due to an ankle injury. Depending on the severity of the adductor strain, Ball could be out a few days or a few weeks.
Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry suffered a left adductor strain in November of 2018 and missed 11 games over the course of three weeks. However, because Ball played through it on Monday, it’s safe to assume he won’t be out very long.
Ball’s status will likely be updated after the game.
With Ball sidelined, JJ Redick will start at shooting guard at the Pelicans and Jrue Holiday will move down to point guard. Meanwhile, Kenrich Williams will start at power forward and Brandon Ingram will move down to the small forward position; his natural position.
The Pelicans and Hornets will tip-off at 6 p.m. CT.
