CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball started Thursday night's game against the Houston Rockets, one day after being involved in a two-car crash in Charlotte. Hornets head coach Charles Lee said before the game Ball had no injuries stemming from the collision.

Houston will travel to Charlotte for its first game since NBA All-Star Weekend.

Charlotte has not made a full NBA playoff field since 2016, the longest current playoff drought of any team in the league.

The Charlotte Hornets are still playing the waiting game with Coby White’s debut.Ahead of the Hornets’ matchup against the Houston Rockets on Thursday, head coach Charles Lee offered a cautious but encouraging update on White’s recovery from a lingering calf injury.

With another transaction cycle behind us, here's a look at where all 30 NBA front offices currently stand

Did LiAngelo Ball sign with the Hornets? Why NBA fans falsely believe LaMelo is now teammates with his brother originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. LiAngelo Ball has a lot of NBA fans excited this week. They think he's joining the Charlotte Hornets to play with his brother, LaMelo.

The 24-year-old Charlotte Hornets star appeared uninjured after the collision in uptown Charlotte on Feb. 18, according to reports

The Hornets are now favored to make the playoffs, where they haven't been in 10 years

Video highlights, recaps and play breakdowns of the Houston Rockets vs. Charlotte Hornets NBA game from February 19, 2026 on ESPN.

The Hornets are surging, and one insider believes it's because of Brandon Miller.