Kamal Ghorui
LaMelo Ball is expected to play for the Charlotte Hornets against the Boston Celtics on March 4, 2026, at TD Garden. He is not listed on the team’s latest injury report, which means he should be available for the game.The Hornets and Celtics both come into this matchup in good form. Charlotte has moved back to a .500 record after a series of wins, while Boston continues to hold one of the best records in the Eastern Conference. With a few players dealing with injuries on both sides, player availability could influence the result.
Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics game preview (March 4, 2026)
Charlotte enters the game with a 31–31 record and has won its last five games. The Hornets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 117–90 on March 3. In that game, LaMelo Ball finished with 15 points, nine assists, five rebounds, five steals, and one block in 29 minutes.Boston has also been playing well. The Celtics are 41–20 and have won 12 of their last 14 games. Their most recent game was a 108–81 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 2. Boston managed that result even without Jaylen Brown, who missed the game because of illness, and Neemias Queta, who was resting.Defense has been a major factor for Boston this season. The team allows about 107.0 points per game, one of the lower totals in the league. Charlotte averages 116.1 points per game, which sets up a matchup between a strong offense and a strong defense.Ball continues to lead the Hornets’ offense. In 52 games this season, he is averaging 19.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds. His passing and outside shooting remain important for Charlotte as the team tries to stay in the playoff race.Boston will be without Jayson Tatum, who is out with an Achilles injury. If Jaylen Brown returns from illness, he will likely carry a larger role in the offense.
Hornets vs Celtics injury report (March 4, 2026)
LaMelo Ball is not listed on the Hornets’ injury report for March 4, which indicates he is available. In his most recent game, he had a quieter shooting night but still contributed in several areas.Charlotte will be without Grant Williams and rookie forward Tidjane Salaun. Both players are dealing with knee injuries and are expected to miss time until at least March 6. Some reports mentioned Ball as questionable with an undisclosed issue and listed Coby White as a game-time decision because of a calf injury, but neither appears on the official report.Boston’s injury report lists Jayson Tatum as out with an Achilles injury. Jaylen Brown could return after missing the previous game due to illness.
| Team | Player | Status | Injury |
| Hornets | LaMelo Ball | Available | None listed |
| Hornets | Grant Williams | Out | Knee |
| Hornets | Tidjane Salaun | Out | Knee |
| Celtics | Jayson Tatum | Out | Achilles |
Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics Current rosters and key contributors
LaMelo Ball starts at point guard for Charlotte. Brandon Miller is averaging 20.9 points per game. Rookie Kon Knueppel is scoring 19.2 points per game. Miles Bridges is another scoring option for the team.Boston’s lineup is led by Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 29.0 points per game this season. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard handle much of the backcourt work while the team deals with Tatum’s absence.
Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics Key matchup to watch (March 4, 2026)
Ball’s passing will be important for Charlotte in this game. His ability to set up teammates could help the Hornets create scoring chances.Also read: Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 4, 2026)Boston’s defense will try to pressure the ball and force mistakes. Ball averages 2.9 turnovers per game, so limiting those errors will matter if Charlotte wants to continue its winning run.
