Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball suffers FRACTURE in his ankle in win over the Detroit Pistons

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball broke his right ankle during Charlotte’s 117-106 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday.

The former All-Star was held back earlier by injuries to his left ankle this season.

He’s already sprained his ankle three times this season, limiting his appearances with the Hornets to just 36 games.

Ball tried to dribble the ball behind his back with 9:26 remaining in the third quarter when he went down without making contact with an opponent.

He headed to the team locker room, and the Hornets announced after the game that an X-ray found the fracture. Ball had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes before leaving.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball broke his ankle in a win over the Detroit Pistons

Ball has already suffered three ankle sprains this season, limiting his games to just 36.

Charlotte won the game against the lowly Pistons, with Ball adding 18 points in 21 minutes.

The Hornets ruled Ball out for their Wednesday home game against the Phoenix Suns and stated that his status would be updated “as appropriate.”

The 21-year-old Ball is averaging 23.3 points, 8.4 assists and 6.4 rebounds in 36 games this season after finishing with 18, five and six, respectively, on Monday.

The 2021-22 All-Star is in his third season in the NBA, all with the Hornets.

He has career averages of 19.4 points, 7.3 assists, and 6.4 rebounds.

The Hornets (20-43) have won five straight, moving 4 1/2 games ahead of the last-place Pistons in the Eastern Conference.