LaMelo Ball could push Hornets back into playoff contention in top-heavy Eastern Conference

The 2020-2021 NBA Rookie of the Year hasn't played since Nov. 16 due to his second ankle sprain in recent months and has been limited to just three games this season. According to multiple reports, however, Ball is optimistic and "hopeful" to suit up on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons.

While the Hornets (7-20) are only one game ahead of the Pistons (7-22) at the bottom of the NBA standings, Charlotte could actually have an outside shot of getting back into the playoff picture. True, the group still has other injuries they're dealing with -- notably Gordon Hayward's shoulder fracture -- but if Ball comes back in top form, the group of Eastern Conference teams immediately ahead of them shouldn't intimidate them.

The Orlando Magic (8-20) are expected to finish as one of the worst teams in the league and with star guard Bradley Beal nursing a hamstring injury and missing the last four games, the Washington Wizards (11-17) lack other star power. On paper, the Chicago Bulls (11-15) would seem to be a postseason contender, but LaMelo's brother, Lonzo Ball, is out indefinitely with a knee injury, and they've underperformed in the first third of the campaign.

Outside of the top five in the east -- the Boston Celtics (22-7), Milwaukee Bucks (20-7), Cleveland Cavaliers (17-11), Brooklyn Nets (17-12), and Philadelphia 76ers (15-12) -- the conference isn't as threatening as the West. With the postseason now including more teams, if Ball can play like he's done in his first two seasons, it isn't out of the question for Charlotte to leapfrog a few teams, get into the top 10 and sneak into the play-in tournament.

The 21-year-old former third overall pick led the Hornets in assists (7.6) and steals (1.6) per game across 75 contests last season while ranking second in points per game (20.1) and third in rebounds per contest (6.7). After Wednesday's game in Charlotte, the Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks (14-14) on Friday, before going on a six-game road trip against all Western Conference teams.