LaMelo Ball could miss game vs. Cavs

Ball is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Cleveland.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to extend their winning streak to 15 on Sunday afternoon. Doing so would tie the 1993-94 Houston Rockets and the 1948-49 Washington Capitols for the second-longest to start a season in NBA history. The Cavs could be getting some help as the Hornets might be without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

The injury report lists Ball as questionable with a left index finger strain. If he were to miss the game, it would be the first he’s missed this season. Bridges is questionable due to a right knee bone bruise.

Ball and Bridges both played on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Charlotte came away with the win thanks to an incorrect call at the end of the game that awarded Ball two free throws in the closing seconds to grab the win. Ball finished with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Bridges contributed 19 points and 7 rebounds.

Ball is leading Charlotte in scoring and assists as he’s averaging 29.6 points and 6.3 assists per game. He’s doing this .440/.364/.875 shooting splits. Bridges is third on the team in scoring with 15.1 points per game.

The Cavs will also be shorthanded. Donovan Mitchell will be missing his first game of the season as he is getting a rest day in preparation for Tuesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Boston Celtics. Cleveland will also be without Sam Merrill (ankle) and Max Strus (ankle). Evan Mobley could return to the court after missing the last game. He’s listed as probable with an illness.