The Charlotte Hornets survived for another day with their dramatic win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, but they may have to play without LaMelo Ball as they try to get into the playoffs.
The NBA is investigating Ball’s alleged trip of Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo during Tuesday’s 127-126 overtime win at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., according to Chris Haynes of Prime. The league is expected to make a decision on what punishment Ball might face before Friday’s game.
Sources: NBA to review Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball for taking out ankle of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in 2nd Q, resulting in hard spill and back injury that cost him rest of crucial do-or-die play-in contest. Ruling expected before Hornets’ final play-in bout on Friday. pic.twitter.com/o6z9FwFziA
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 15, 2026
Ball appeared to pull Adebayo down by the leg during the game, but was not called for a foul. Adebayo left the game due to a lower back injury and did not return. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was livid that Ball was not punished for the incident.
The fact that this does not appear to be the first time Ball has done something like this might work against him as the league investigates.
Ball contributed 30 points and 10 assists, including the game-winning layup, during Tuesday’s win. The Hornets probably would not have won without him, and may have lost had Adebayo been able to finish the game as well.
