Is LaMelo Ball playing? Latest injury report for Raptors vs Hornets 12/18

It's rare to call an average mid-week game in December an absolute must-win, but it will be very hard to see the Toronto Raptors doing much of anything this season if thet are unable to take down a disappointing Charlotte Hornets team with a comically long injury report.

Not only should the Raptors and their collection of trade chips have extra motivation to take down a team that beat them in a heartbreaker just a few weeks ago, but Toronto will face off against a Hornets team that is already missing three of their top four best scorers. If they can't win this game, what games can they win?

The Raptors are already testing their fanbase's patience, as they continue to frustrate with their inability to take down subpar competition without insane comebacks. Will fans be in for more of the same, or a pleasant surprise on the offensive end?

Christian Koloko Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Hornets game

Koloko remains the only player on the Raptors' injury report, as he is still trying to work his way back froma respiratory illness that has sidelined him all year long. While he has progressed to on-court work, his status remains extremely vague.

LaMelo Ball Injury Status for tonight’s Raptors vs. Hornets game

Ball has been ruled out once again, as he is playing through an ankle sprain that has robbed him of the last few weeks. This is a genuine shame, as Ball was playing at a level that could not only warrant All-Star consideration, but some potential All-NBA looks if Charlotte improves.

Projected Starting Lineups Tonight

Toronto

PG Dennis Schroder
SG OG Anunoby
SF Scottie Barnes
PF Pascal Siakam
C Jakob Poeltl

Charlotte

PG Terry Rozier
SG Bryce McGowens
SF Brandon Miller
PF Miles Bridges
C Nick Richards

Toronto Raptors next five opponents

The Raptors' schedule includes some big matchups against some of the best teams in the league. Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets will come to town right before they face Nick Nurse and the 76ers as well as a loaded Celtics team.

Dec. 20 vs. Denver Nuggets
Dec. 22 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Dec. 23 vs. Utah Jazz
Dec. 27 @ Washington Wizards
Dec. 29 @ Boston Celtics

Raptors injury report

Christian Koloko-OUT-Respiratory condition

Hornets injury report

LaMelo Ball-OUT-Ankle
Frank Ntilikina-OUT-Tibia
Cody Martin-OUT-Knee
Mark Williams-DOUBTFUL-BACK
Gordon Hayward-QUESTIONABLE-Virus
PJ Washington-QUESTIONABLE-Bicep
Terry Rozier-PROBABLE-Thumb