The Charlotte Hornets, as KSI would say, are in ‘the thick of it’. Terrible puns aside, the Hornets are seriously in a bad position this season. They have 51 losses this season, and it doesn’t look like they’ll stop there. But amidst all this misfortune, they do have one saving grace in their team. And that’s LaMelo Ball.

LaVar Ball’s youngest son is averaging 25.4 points this season. Truth be told, he’s the only reason the Hornets aren’t the bottom-seeded team in the Eastern Conference. But carrying the franchise on his back has come at a cost for Melo. He’s struggled with injuries this season. And as the Hornets stare down the opportunity to get a marquee over a Knicks team that’s missing Jalen Brunson, we all have the same question in mind.

Will LaMelo Ball play against the New York Knicks?

LaMelo Ball is on the injury report for the Knicks game. But what’s more worrying is that 9 other players join him on it. Yes, the Hornets have 10 players out for their upcoming matchup (except for Simpson who is out not for illness).

Getting back to Melo, he’s listed as PROBABLE for the Knicks game with soreness in his right wrist. His availability will likely be a game-time decision for head coach Charles Lee. That said, here are the other players who also find themselves on the injury report for the Knicks game:

• Miles Bridges – Probable (Illness)
• Moussa Diabate – Questionable (Right Knee; Soreness)
• Marcus Garrett – Questionable (Low Back; Soreness)
• Tre Mann – (Disc; Herniation)
• Brandon Miller – Out (Right Wrist; Ligament repair)
• Josh Okogie – Out (Left Hamstring; Strain)
• Tidjane Salaun – Out (Right Ankle; Sprain)
• Grant Williams – Out (Right ACL; Repair)
• KJ Simpson – OUT (G League; Two-Way)

The Hornets’ medical staff must be working overtime to deal with so many injured players. While Miles Bridges will be fine soon, Brandon Miller’s season ended with the wrist surgery he underwent in January. And the Hornets will sorely miss his 21 ppg against the Knicks.

However, it’s the loss of squad depth that’ll hurt the Hornets’ chances against New York. Charlotte now runs the risk of being outmuscled by Coach Thibs and his men. And players like Moussa Diabate and Tidjane Salaun could’ve helped with that. But the fact that most of the Hornets’ starters are healthy will be a relief to coach Lee as they look to take on the Knicks.

Now what does that mean for the lineup the Hornets may field against them? Let’s have a look.

Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks – predicted starting lineup and depth chart

The duo of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are averaging a combined 46.5 points per game this season. And there’s no doubt Charles Lee will want them on the court provided they’re healthy enough by game time. Here’s what that team could look like:

The Hornets have a fighting chance against the Knicks in this upcoming game. They may not be in the best form right now, but neither are the Knicks.

And with the latter missing Jalen Brunson presents Charles Lee’s men with the perfect opening for an upset. Even so, this is easier said than done. And if LaMelo and Miles cannot play, well… they’ll need a miracle to pull it off!