3 years agoCharlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball has been cleared to play in Friday's contest vs. the Blazers, marking his first game action since Dec. 1. Ball has delivered near All-Star production through his first 24 games, averaging 20 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds per outing, having emerged as an elite fantasy asset in just his second season. His return to the mix balances out the Hornets lineup, with many players set to take a step back offensively from prior gaudy outputs. Working in Ball's favor is a matchup against a Portland defense that is tied for the fifth-most points per game allowed (111.2) this season.--Jesse Borek
Source: Charlotte Hornets