LaMelo Ball makes a difference early on

As mentioned earlier, the Pacers and Hornets have already played each other three times this season, but in these three games, LaMelo Ball played just twice and came off-the-bench in both games he played in. Both of these games were in January before Ball entered the starting rotation and began cementing himself as this season’s potential Rookie of the Year. 

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Now, the Pacers will be seeing a much different LaMelo Ball than they remember playing back in January, which is why he could get off to a hot start in this game. Malcolm Brogdon will likely be guarding Terry Rozier to start the game, which could give Ball a favorable matchup depending on who is available to play for the Pacers. 

There is a chance that Brogdon or LeVert could be shading Ball or guard him during the first-quarter of play, but the chances are that both of those guys will focus their attention on both Rozier and Bridges, making LaMelo Ball an available option for the Hornets to play through offensively. 

In 10 games this month since returning from his fractured wrist, LaMelo Ball has been really solid for the Hornets in the starting rotation, averaging 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. Whether it is knocking down shots early on or doing a little bit of everything, LaMelo Ball is going to have to have his finger-prints on this game if the Hornets are to advance to the next play-in game.