NBA Preseason: Concerns about injured LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball injured his ankle in another Charlotte Hornets loss in the preseason. Nothing is known about the severity of the injury. Donovan Mitchell’s first home game in Cleveland ends without a sense of achievement.

Charlotte Hornets (0-4) – Washington Wizards (1-2) 107:116 (BOXSCORE)

• It’s a used preseason for the Hornets so far. Not only did Coach Steve Clifford’s team concede their fourth loss in four games, Mason Plumlee (foot) and LaMelo Ball were also injured. The point guard twisted his ankle on a drive in the third quarterClifford didn’t want to give an update after the game, but said that we should “keep our fingers crossed”.
• At the time of the injury, the Hornets were even slightly ahead, partly because Terry Rozier (24 points, 8/13) had a good day. Otherwise, only reservists JT Thor (12) and backup center Nick Richards (15, 8 rebounds) scored in double digits. The problem was again the distance throw. Rozier sank three triples, Thor two – the rest of the Hornets didn’t hit a single try (0/8).
• Washington did better without Bradley Beal (Corona). Kristaps Porzingis (20, 3/4 threes) had a hot hand in the first half, but also left the game early with an ankle injury. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. was optimistic after the game that it was nothing serious. Kyle Kuzma and Rui Hachimura each had 15 points, while Daniel Gafford had 14 points (7/9) and 8 rebounds.

Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) – Philadelphia 76ers (3-0) 97:113 (BOXSCORE)

• Home game premiere for Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland – and there was still a lot of room for improvement. In 27 minutes, the former jazz star put up 11 points (3/9 FG), 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers, the fans but could at least get over a successful alley-oop-dunk after a pass from Darius Garland (17, 6/10, 7 assists) are happy.
• But since Cleveland only hit five threes and the Sixers shot the lights out that night (17/40 3FG), there was nothing for the hosts to get. Tyrese Maxey (19, 3/5 threes) led the visitors in the absence of Joel Embiid (not with the team), James Harden (11, 3/8, 6 rebounds, 4 assists) had a leisurely evening. Especially the bank around Shake Milton (10) and Daniel House Jr. (10) knew how to please.
• For the Cavs, who were still without Evan Mobley (ankle), Jarrett Allen (19, 12 rebounds) was the top scorer. Caris LeVert (13, 5/9) and Dean Wade (8, 7 rebounds) were allowed to try on the wing, while Isaac Okoro (2) only came off the bench. Kevin Love, who started the first game against Philadelphia, was rested this time.