We’re just two weeks into the season and already there have been plenty of injuries.
Let’s examine the fallout.
JA MORANT
GRADE 2 LEFT ANKLE SPRAIN
EXPECTED TO MISS 3-5 WEEKS (FROM DECEMBER 30)
Ja Morant’s ankle sprain, suffered against Brooklyn last Monday, did not make for pleasant viewing.
The young star immediately hopped off the court in agony, having landing awkwardly after contesting a shot.
Morant appeared set for a breakout start to the season, having dropped 44 points and nine assists against the Spurs in the season opener, before putting up 28 points and seven assists against the Hawks in the following game.
The Grizzlies are now without their top two scorers, with Jaren Jackson Jr still recovering from a torn left meniscus.
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS
DISLOCATED LEFT WRIST
EXPECTED TO MISS SEVERAL GAMES
The good news here is that Towns won’t need surgery, and “there’s optimism it will be a relatively short-term absence”, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
But the Timberwolves are now 2-0 with Towns and 0-5 without him.
Minnesota has also had the worst defence in the league over that winless stretch, not that Towns has ever exactly been a beacon of defensive excellence himself.
KEMBA WALKER
LEFT KNEE – ONGOING PAIN
NO TIMETABLE FOR HIS RETURN
After suffering from knee soreness for much of last season – even after returning from the extensive hiatus caused by the pandemic – Kemba Walker’s absence has extended into the new season.
He returned to on-court activities last month but is still a long way from returning, according to Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.
“Kemba is on the court doing one-on-one stuff with a coach,” Stevens said on December 22. “Still no up and down, no cutting, no one else on the basket. So, still a long way away.”
Walker is set be re-evaluated early this month.
OTHER NOTABLE INJURIES
MICHAEL PORTER JR
Out due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols related to COVID-19
Expected to miss multiple games
JARON JACKSON JR
Torn left meniscus
Expected to return in January or February
SPENCER DINWIDDIE
Partially torn ACL
Will miss the rest of the season
KEVIN LOVE
Calf injury
Expected to miss at least 3-4 weeks (from December 30)
RAJON RONDO
Left knee soreness
Will miss at least three games