Hornets’ LaMelo Ball (Image via Getty)

The Charlotte Hornets are back at Spectrum Center on March 28 to face the Philadelphia 76ers, and the main focus before the game is the status of LaMelo Ball. With the regular season coming to a close, every game matters, and Charlotte needs its main playmaker on the field.There is no confusion regarding their availability for this. Ball has been cleared on the latest injury report, and there are no latest updates indicating any concerns. This gives the Hornets a stable base going into a matchup where the other side is dealing with some major injury questions.LaMelo Ball status vs. 76ers: All set to playLaMelo Ball is not listed on the Hornets’ injury report for March 28, 2026. This means he is available and expected to start against the 76ers. There are no restrictions mentioned in it, so it should play its normal role.It also shows that the team is not limiting his minutes or managing his workload. The team is set up to run the offense as usual and handle the ball for most of the game.Hornets vs. 76ers Injury Report Snapshot (March 28, 2026)Charlotte’s injury report mainly consists of players who are not part of the main rotation. On the other hand, Philadelphia has some key players dealing with injuries that could impact the game. • Hornets out: Toson Iwabuomwan, PJ Hall, Liam McNeeley, Antonio Reeves (G-League/two-way assignment). • 76 players out: Johnny Broom (recovering from right knee surgery). • 76ers Questionable: Tyrese Maxey (right finger tendon strain), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow sprain).Having the ball fully available gives Charlotte an advantage, especially if Maxi or Oubre are not fully fit.Expected Hornets starting lineup and rotation clarityCharlotte’s lineup clearly shows that Ball remains the center of their system. The expected starting five remains the same:Roles/notes of key team rotation playersCharlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball Starting point guard, primary ball-handler and playmakerCharlotte Hornets Collin Sexton starting shooting guard, secondary scorer and handlerCharlotte Hornets’ Kon Knuppel wing option, perimeter presenceCharlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges forward, interior scoring and athleticismCharlotte Hornets Ryan Kalkbrenner center, pick-and-roll and rim protectionThis lineup confirms that the offense will continue to run through the ball.Matchup Impact: Ball vs. the potentially shorthanded Sixers backcourtThe game averages in the mid-20s on the ball as well as around 10 assists per game. He controls the tempo and helps create scoring chances for others. If Maxi is not a perfect fit, Ball may have even more control over the game.In that case, Philadelphia may rely more on players like Paul George and Joel Embiid to handle the scoring. This may slow down their guard play, giving them more opportunities to speed the ball and create mismatches.Roster Reference: Updated Hornets CoreCharlotte’s current roster no longer includes players like Gordon Hayward or Terry Rozier. The team has moved forward with a new group built around Ball.The current rotation consists of Collin Sexton, Kon Knueppel, Zion James, Trey Mann, and Josh Green as well as two-way players who are not active for this game.View information and final takeawaysThis game matters for both the teams as they look to improve their position. Fans in India can watch it on regular NBA streaming platforms, where final pre-game updates will also be shown.The main thing is clear: LaMelo Ball is playing tonight and will lead the Hornets. The bigger question is for the 76ers, where injuries could impact how strong their backcourt is in this matchup.