As the duo of LaMelo Ball and Malik Monk inch closer to their returns to the court, Thursday will likely be a landmark day. After the Hornets’ back-to-back on Tuesday and Wednesday, Charlotte returns home for two days off and the chance to get on the practice court on Thursday and Friday.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, head coach James Borrego spoke about what Thursday would have in store.

“There’s no live play yet,” he said of the pair. “Again, that’s our next step. Both are on the court, both are progressing. There’s been no setbacks. Hopefully, Thursday we’ll have some activity on the floor…Hopefully, Thursday will give us a better sense of where these are at on the floor. Maybe we can do something live on Thursday.”

Borrego also noted that Monk and Ball are ahead of Gordon Hayward, who has been out with a right foot sprain, in their recovery timelines.

Monk and Ball’s returns would provide the Hornets a big boost as they close in the playoffs and the potential play-in tournament.