ESPN fantasy basketball experts have made a bold prediction that Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball will play more than 70 games in the 2025-26 NBA season, signaling a potential turnaround in his durability and fantasy value.
The prediction comes from Eric Moody, one of ESPN’s fantasy analysts, who highlighted Ball’s elite production when on the court but noted his history of injuries that have limited his availability in recent seasons. Over the past three years, Ball has managed only 105 games, missing significant time due to ankle and wrist surgeries that have raised concerns about his reliability for fantasy managers. This string of absences has often left teams scrambling for replacements, underscoring the risk associated with drafting him in fantasy leagues.
Despite these setbacks, Ball’s performance metrics are impressive; last season, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.8 three-pointers per game, showcasing his all-around skills and high ceiling. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a coveted asset in fantasy basketball, where consistent scoring, playmaking, and three-point shooting are highly valued. When healthy, Ball has demonstrated he can be a top-tier performer, driving both real-world and fantasy success for the Hornets.
Moody’s optimism stems from Ball’s youth—he is only 24 years old—and his full recovery from past surgeries, coupled with the Hornets’ improved roster depth, which should help reduce his workload and injury risk. The team’s additions in the offseason provide more support, potentially allowing Ball to play fewer minutes in blowouts or rest during back-to-back games without sacrificing team performance. This managed approach could be key to keeping him on the court for the majority of the season.
In fantasy basketball, durability is a critical factor, and if Ball can stay healthy, he has the potential to finish among the top 15 players, making him a valuable draft pick for the upcoming season. His per-game stats already place him in elite company, but achieving 70-plus games would solidify his status as a cornerstone for fantasy rosters. Managers who take a chance on him could reap significant rewards, especially in leagues that prioritize cumulative stats over per-game averages.
This prediction is part of a larger series of bold forecasts by ESPN experts, including others like Brandon Miller breaking into the top 40 and Joel Embiid returning to form, but Ball’s case is particularly noteworthy given his past issues. The experts’ analysis draws on trends, player development, and team dynamics to identify sleepers and breakout candidates, with Ball’s situation representing a high-risk, high-reward scenario. Such predictions help fantasy players prepare for drafts and in-season management by highlighting potential value picks.
For the Hornets, a healthy Ball could mean a more competitive season, as his playmaking and scoring are central to the team’s offense, and his presence on the court would boost their chances in the Eastern Conference. His ability to create opportunities for teammates and score in clutch moments has been missed during his absences, and a full season could propel Charlotte into playoff contention. Beyond fantasy, his health is crucial for the franchise’s long-term plans and fan engagement.
Fantasy players should monitor Ball’s health reports during preseason, as achieving this prediction would not only benefit his real-world team but also provide a significant edge in fantasy leagues where he is often drafted with caution due to injury concerns. Early indicators from training camp and exhibition games will be telling, and managers might consider targeting him in the middle rounds if signs point to a healthier year. Ultimately, this prediction underscores the importance of balancing talent with reliability in fantasy sports strategy.