NBA Notes: Hornets, LaMelo Ball, Sixers, Joel Embiid, Warriors

Hornets

LaMelo Ball looks ready to rejoin the fun. The Hornets star is listed as probable for Friday in Milwaukee, per The Charlotte Observer’s Rod Boone.

Ball has missed the past five games with a right ankle impingement and recently logged G League practice work, which head coach Charles Lee framed as a strong step toward a return.

Before the injury, Ball was putting up LaMelo numbers — 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals on .430 shooting in six games. The Hornets have missed that playmaking spark and overall swagger.

Second-year guard KJ Simpson is also probable with a left AC joint sprain, while rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner will miss his first NBA game due to personal reasons.

76ers

Joel Embiid will sit again Friday. The reigning MVP is dealing with right knee soreness but there’s no long-term concern, according to PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck. It will be Embiid’s second straight absence.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe is questionable with back spasms heading into the matchup with Detroit.

Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga’s rough week continues. After being moved out of the starting lineup Wednesday in San Antonio, the Warriors forward is now questionable for the rematch due to bilateral tendinitis in his knee, per ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

Kuminga played a season-low 12 minutes in that loss and exited early because of the knee issue. He had started the first 12 games of the season before coach Steve Kerr adjusted the rotation.