Entering this game against Charlotte, the Trail Blazers could face a Hornets team that is missing some key pieces. Star point guard LaMelo Ball has been listed as questionable for

However, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan, Kris Murray, and Anfernee Simons, the Trail Blazers' leading scorer, are all expected to play tonight. Clingan, Portland's first-round pick (7th overall in 2024), was sidelined for the past five games due to an ankle injury.

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball defended LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo Ball, LaVar Ball, and the Ball family from any criticism.

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Portland is playing their best basketball of the season. Winners of three in a row, the Blazers are led by Anfernee Simons who is averaging 18.2ppg and Shaedon Sharpe contributing 17.7ppg. Scoot Henderson is improving by the game. The 2 nd -year pro is dishing out 5.3 assists per game and scoring 12.3 points nightly while shooting 35% from deep.

While some may be ancy to back LaMelo Ball's scoring output against Portland, Douglas Farmer breaks down why that isn’t the best approach ahead of tonight's clash in Charlotte.

SportsLine's model just revealed its NBA predictions for Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets on Friday

LaMelo Ball received an important injury update ahead of the Hornets' game on Friday night against the Trail Blazers.