Injury Roundup: Ball, Sexton, Finney-Smith, Sabonis, James
injury-roundup-ball-sexton-finney-smith-sabonis-james
MIAMI — November 7, 2025 — Several NBA teams entered Friday’s games without key contributors as injuries continued to shape early-season lineups.
Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets ruled LaMelo Ball out against the Heat after the guard was downgraded from questionable to doubtful with a right ankle impingement. It is the third consecutive game the 2021 Rookie of the Year has missed. Head coach Charles Lee said Ball has been able to participate in limited on-court work and some team activities, adding the club is taking a day-to-day approach.
Charlotte also kept Collin Sexton on the sideline Friday. The veteran guard sustained a neck strain — and chipped a tooth — during a hard fall Tuesday in New Orleans. Sexton went through the morning shoot-around but did not feel ready, according to Lee, who expects a short absence.
Rockets
Dorian Finney-Smith has yet to appear for Houston while recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Head coach Ime Udoka said the forward is completing non-contact drills and that the team has “no real timeline” for his return as trainers monitor how the ankle responds to increased workload.
Kings
Domantas Sabonis missed his second straight game Friday because of a left rib contusion. The two-time All-NBA center, who also sat out Sacramento’s first two contests with a hamstring issue, has now been unavailable four times this season.
Lakers
Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters LeBron James continues to progress from right-side sciatica. James has begun one-on-one work with coaches after being cleared for contact and will slowly ramp up. Redick noted the 21-time All-Star could log practice time with the team’s G League affiliate, though no session has been scheduled.
Source: HoopsRumors
