Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball will get his first NBA start Monday in a road game against the Miami Heat.
The 19-year-old, who was the third overall draft pick in the most recent draft, is getting the opportunity with Terry Rozier out because of a sprained right ankle.
It has been an up-and-down start to his NBA career for Ball, whose older brother Lonzo plays for the New Orleans Pelicans. LaMelo Ball, a 6-foot-6 guard, has averaged 12.2 points per game with 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
He will enter Monday's game off a career-best 27 points Saturday in the Hornets' 126-114 home victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.