Damion Baugh

Earlier Friday, it was announced that LaMelo Ball (wrist, ankle) is out for the rest of the season. Simpson will replace him in the starting lineup, and the two-way rookie is eligible for every game the rest of the way. He'll likely retain the role for the foreseeable future, with Damion Baugh potentially getting a few opportunities when he's active. Baugh is inactive for Friday's game.

Charania says the procedures will be minor, but Ball will not play again this season. With the Hornets eliminated from postseason contention and LaMelo having played through those issues, it's unsurprising that he'll be shut down. Damion Baugh and KJ Simpson will play more down the stretch, with Baugh offering greater potential for managers needing scoring at the point guard position.

Both players missed Tuesday's game against Atlanta but were initially listed as probable against New York. They have now officially been cleared to return to the lineup, which means that Damion Baugh and Seth Curry should return to reserve roles.

Baugh was recalled from the G League to start for LaMelo Ball, who sat out Tuesday's game with a right wrist injury. Baugh's rebound and assist production was solid, and he'll be worth streaming whenever Ball misses games. Given how long LaMelo has been dealing with the wrist injury, it would be unsurprising if the Hornets eventually shut him down. Charlotte hosts New York on Thursday, the first of three games it will play to close out Week 20.

The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges for Tuesday's game, meaning there will be a lot of minutes and shots available. Baugh and Curry move into the starting lineup, and they're worth streaming in deep leagues due to the Hornets' availability issues.