The Charlotte Hornets found themselves at the center of NBA attention on January 8, 2026, as they prepared to host the Indiana Pacers at Spectrum Center. The focus was squarely on LaMelo Ball, their star guard, whose status had been a question mark all day due to his ongoing right ankle soreness. Ball, who had undergone surgery on the ankle in the past and missed 11 games this season, was not listed as out, questionable, or probable in the morning. Instead, his availability hinged on pregame warmups and medical evaluations—a scenario that kept fans and analysts guessing right up to tip-off.
As the clock ticked closer to game time, the Hornets finally released their official lineup. The announcement sent ripples through the NBA community: LaMelo Ball would be active, but for the first time since January 30, 2020—his rookie season—he would not start. Instead, Ball shifted to a bench role, marking his first appearance as a reserve since January 30, 2021. The starting five for Charlotte featured Colin Sexton, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. It was a bold move by head coach Charles Lee, especially given the high stakes of the evening.
Why the shakeup? Ball’s play had been under scrutiny. Over his last four games, he’d struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 40.4% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. In the 18 games he’d played this season, Ball averaged 19.7 points, 7.9 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals—a stat line most guards would envy. But in January, his scoring dipped to around 15 points per contest, and his efficiency lagged behind his career norms. Over his last 10 games leading up to this matchup, he was averaging 18.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, according to the NBA Injury Report.
For the Hornets, who entered the night with a 13-24 record, the decision to bring Ball off the bench was more than just a tactical adjustment. It was a statement. The team was coming off a tough loss to the Toronto Raptors and facing the second leg of a back-to-back set. With Ball’s ankle still not 100%, and the team seeking a spark, Coach Lee opted for a fresh look. "Coach Lee will most likely explain his intent behind the move later on," noted one source, hinting at both the urgency and the uncertainty surrounding the Hornets’ rotation.
The Pacers, meanwhile, arrived in Charlotte mired in their own struggles. Indiana hadn’t won a game since December 12, riding a 13-game losing streak into the contest. To make matters worse, they were severely shorthanded. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s All-Star guard, was out with a torn right Achilles tendon. Isaiah Jackson (concussion), Bennedict Mathurin (right thumb sprain), and Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture) were all sidelined, and Taelon Peter was listed as doubtful while on G League assignment. With so many key contributors missing, Pascal Siakam stepped up for Indiana, averaging 23.7 points over his recent outings and shouldering a heavy offensive load.
For Charlotte, the injury bug didn’t stop with Ball. Rookie Brandon Miller was dealing with a knee contusion and was a game-time decision. If Miller couldn’t go, Miles Bridges—already averaging 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds this season—was expected to take on an even larger role. The Hornets also had rookie Kon Knueppel in the wings, who had previously poured in 28 points when the team was short-handed, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when called upon.
As the game tipped off, speculation swirled not just about the Hornets’ rotation, but also about Ball’s future with the franchise. The NBA trade deadline loomed less than a month away, set for February 5, 2026. The recent blockbuster trade sending Trae Young to the Washington Wizards only fueled rumors that Charlotte could be considering major roster moves of its own. Earlier in the season, Ball was rumored to be open to a trade, but he quickly shot down those reports on social media, reaffirming his commitment to the Hornets. Still, with Ball now coming off the bench and the team searching for answers, questions about his long-term role were impossible to ignore.
Despite the off-court drama, the on-court stakes were clear. The Hornets were looking to snap a skid of their own and capitalize on Indiana’s woes. The Pacers, desperate to end their 13-game drought, were relying heavily on Siakam and a patchwork supporting cast. For Charlotte, the key would be managing Ball’s minutes and ankle, while also getting steady contributions from Sexton, Bridges, and Knueppel. The absence of Haliburton for Indiana meant the Hornets had a golden opportunity to control the pace and dictate the flow—provided they could take care of the basketball, something that haunted them in their previous meeting with the Pacers on November 19, when turnovers contributed to a 127-118 loss despite Ball’s 18 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
As the game unfolded, all eyes were on Ball. Would his shift to the bench ignite his offense or further complicate his season? Could the Hornets rally around their new-look starting five and take advantage of Indiana’s depleted roster? And with the trade deadline approaching, would this lineup change be the first domino to fall in a series of moves for Charlotte?
One thing’s for sure: the Hornets’ decision to bench their franchise point guard was more than a blip on the radar. It was a sign of a team in transition, searching for answers as the season approached its halfway point. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Ball responds to this new role—and whether it sparks a turnaround for both player and team.
With the action still underway at Spectrum Center and both teams fighting to change their fortunes, the Hornets’ bold lineup experiment has set the stage for a dramatic night of basketball in Charlotte. The outcome remains up in the air, but one thing is certain: the storylines off the court are nearly as compelling as the battle on it.
