Luka Doncic's first game against the Dallas Mavericks since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers was sure to ramp up the tension. The refs had a strange way of trying to manage the heat.

Target the Under for LaMelo Ball's points prop as the Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets pick and prediction for tonight.

The Dallas Mavericks let the Charlotte Hornets hang around a little too long, considering they were missing LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and a lot of other key pieces. But Dallas won 103-96, getting back on track after losing two straight on the West Coast earlier in the week.

Currently, the Charlotte Hornets (14-43) have seven players on the injury report, including LaMelo Ball, in their matchup with the Dallas Mavericks (31-28) at American Airlines Center on Thursday, February 27 at 8:30 PM ET.

The 42nd overall pick out of Colorado, Simpson has been solid over the previous few weeks for the Hornets. Since February 4th, the rookie has averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 42.6% from the field and 33.3% from three.

With a quarter of the NBA regular season remaining, teams are already looking towards the future and an offseason with as much potential for movement as the trade deadline. Heading into the home stretch of the season,

LaMelo Ball is set to play in the Charlotte Hornets' interconference regular-season game against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball cooked Luka Doncic late in a stunning comeback win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

It's been a miserable week or so for the Charlotte Hornets, who have made NBA history by having a -131 point differential in their last three games. Things won't get any easier tonight for Charles Lee's squad as they take on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks.

LaMelo Ball is doubtful to suit up for the Charlotte Hornets’ game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday.