CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — LaMelo Ball returned to action Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning the Charlotte Hornets had all five starters on the field at the same time for the first time this season.

Ball missed the last seven games with a calf strain.

The Hornets entered training camp with the plan to start Ball alongside Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, Josh Green and Mark Williams. However, Williams started the season injured, and Miller and Bridges also missed time due to injuries. Then Ball got injured and the Hornets went 1-6 without him.

Ball had been playing at an All-Star level before the injury, averaging 31.1 points, 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.

The Hornets (7-18) will need all hands on deck if they hope to get back into the playoffs. They entered Monday 13th in the Eastern Conference.

Ball said Monday morning he has been working on his shot and studying different coverages he faced while in the lineup and trying to learn how to attack them.

“It’s always great to get guys back,” Ball said. “I’m looking forward to playing for real money.”

When asked about his expectations for getting the group back together, Ball said, “It’s been a minute, so we’ll see.”

Ball should benefit from Williams being back on the field as it creates more pick-and-roll opportunities.

“He’s 6-foot-10 and he can move, everything like that,” Ball said. “It’s great to have Mark back.”

Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was sidelined with a right sinus fracture and will be evaluated in a week. The 76ers were also without standout rookie Jared McCain, who has a torn meniscus that required surgery.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or distributed.