LaMelo Ball to miss game against Cavs

The Cavaliers catch a break as they take on the Hornets without their best player.

Opposing defenses have struggled to contain LaMelo Ball this season. The Cleveland Cavaliers saw that first hand during their Nov. 17 matchup with the Charlotte Hornets when Ball poured in 31 points while contributing 12 assists.

The Cavs won’t have to worry about containing Ball in their Saturday matchup. He will be missing the game with a left calf strain. It’s the fifth game in a row he’s missed for Charlotte.

The Hornets have lost the last four most recent games they’ve played without Ball. They were held under 105 points in each of those losses as the offense had a tough time getting going without Ball. This has been a trend throughout the season.

Charlotte has posted a 113.9 offensive rating with Ball on the floor (53rd percentile). Without him, their offense completely collapses as they have a 105.1 offensive rating (10th percentile). On the season, Ball is averaging a career-high 31.1 points and 6.9 assists on .430/.356/.848 shooting splits.

The Hornets will also be without Miles Bridges (knee). He’s the team’s third-leading scorer as he’s contributed 16 points per game this season. This will leave most of the offensive creation on Brandon Miller’s shoulders. He’s averaging 21.7 points and 3.5 assists on .407/.371/.896 shooting splits.

The Cavs could be without Isaac Okoro. He’s questionable with a knee contusion. Craig Porter Jr. (illness), Max Strus (ankle), and Emoni Bates (knee) will also be out of the lineup.

Sunday’s game tips off at 1 PM.