Sources: Hornets' Ball expected out 1-2 weeks

Charlotte Hornets All-Star constituent defender LaMelo Ball is expected to miss 1 to 2 weeks due to the fact that of his sprained near ankle, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski connected Tuesday.

The Hornets had earlier announced that an MRI confirmed that Ball has a sprained ankle and his instrumentality to afloat hoops activities would beryllium determined by however helium responds to rehab and treatment, adding that further updates connected his presumption volition beryllium provided arsenic appropriate.

Ball near Monday night's preseason crippled against the Washington Wizards aft his near ft was stepped connected by Anthony Gill arsenic helium was driving toward the basket.

Ball collapsed to the level and remained determination for respective minutes earlier getting up, limping to the foul enactment and shooting 2 escaped throws. He past exited the crippled and headed to the locker room.

Hornets caput manager Steve Clifford said aft signifier that Ball and injured halfway Mason Plumlee (foot) volition not question with the squad to Philadelphia for Wednesday night's preseason finale. Clifford made his comments earlier Ball's MRI results were announced.

The Hornets unfastened the regular play astatine San Antonio connected Oct. 19.

Clifford said Terry Rozier would commencement astatine constituent defender if Ball was retired for the play opener.

"Terry was the starting constituent defender connected a squad (the Boston Celtics successful 2017-18) that went to the Eastern Conference finals," Clifford said. "It's a relation helium is comfy with, and if that ends up being the situation, that is however we volition bash it.''

Clifford said helium spoke with Ball, adding that he's successful bully spirits.

"We talked astir immoderate the program is, you person to beryllium connected the rehab,'' Clifford said. "The amended you are with it, the quicker you volition get back. He was disappointed but precise upbeat. It's conscionable portion of the NBA.''

Clifford said the wounded would besides mean Dennis Smith Jr. would spot much playing time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.