KJ

Simpson

Ball and Salaun were initially questionable for Saturday’s game. While the former is back after a one-game absence, the latter missed the final two games of Charlotte’s road trip. Ball’s return coincides with KJ Simpson being sent to the G League, so Elfrid Payton will take on the backup point guard responsibilities. Salaun will be part of the rotation, but coming off the bench limits his fantasy value.

Ball missed Thursday’s game against the Mavericks with an ankle injury that continues to hamper the 23-year-old point guard. If Ball is ruled out again Saturday, Elfrid Payton figures to start for Charlotte as KJ Simpson has been sent to the G League.

After being listed as inactive for five straight games, Simpson has started Charlotte’s last two with LaMelo Ball (ankle) sidelined. During this two game stretch, Simpson has averaged 13.5 points, five rebounds, 3.5 assists, two steals and one three-pointer per game. If Ball remains out for Charlotte’s matchup with Washington on Saturday, Simpson should be in line for another start. With Charlotte at the bottom of the standings, managers should expect to see Simpson on the floor often as the season winds down, and he should hold plenty of value if he remains in the starting lineup.

Ball wasn’t initially listed on the injury report, but he was added on Thursday as questionable and has now been ruled out. KJ Simpson started in place of Ball on Tuesday and should be in line for another start, though he has been inactive for some games without any warning from the team.

Ball didn’t play against the Warriors on Tuesday and is back on the injury report after being taken off it on Wednesday. KJ Simpson started against the Dubs and could be in line for another start if Ball can’t go.

Ball did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, which was Charlotte’s second game in as many nights. He’ll be back for the final game of the team’s road trip, which means KJ Simpson will return to the bench after starting against Golden State.

The Hornets are playing their second game in as many nights, so LaMelo Ball (ankle) is unavailable. However, Simpson will replace him in the lineup, not Elfrid Payton. The spot start gives the rookie a shot at achieving fantasy relevance for a night, but this is a tough matchup. The other change is Williams, who did not play in Monday’s loss to the Kings. His return means Jusuf Nurkic will come off the bench.

Ball was best when the Hornets needed him most, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter. Included was a layup with 14 seconds remaining that extended Charlotte’s lead to four at the time, and he would hit two free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining to provide the final margin. While Ball has provided top 20 per-game value in eight-cat formats this season, his availability down the stretch will concern fantasy managers since the Hornets are likely headed back to the draft lottery. In the short term, they should plan for LaMelo not playing in Thursday’s game against the Nuggets. If he sits, Elfrid Payton would be the next man up, with KJ Simpson entering the rotation after being inactive on Wednesday.

Ball re-injured his right ankle on Monday, and it will keep him sidelined for at least one game. KJ Simpson logged 30 minutes and posted a 9/9/4/1 line after Ball went down. Simpson figures to be the biggest beneficiary of Ball’s absence.

After missing Sunday’s loss to the Pistons, Ball’s right ankle flared up during the first half of Monday’s game. He played 10 minutes, finishing with five points, one rebound, three assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer. KJ Simpson started the third quarter and will be the replacement in the starting lineup if Ball misses time.