Key stars for a number of NBA teams have gone down with an injury in recent days and we bring you the latest updates on their ailments and timeframes to return.
JA MORANT
After sitting out the first 25 games of the season due to suspension, Ja Morant finally returned for Memphis.
His stint only lasted nine games before he suffered a tear in his right shoulder during practice.
“At Saturday’s training session, Morant suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder,” the Grizzlies official release read. “Following ongoing soreness and instability, Morant underwent an MRI that revealed an underlying labral tear.
“Morant will undergo season-ending surgery and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.”
Ja sitting out of the rest of the 2023-24 season is a massive blow and all but writes off Memphis’ postseason hopes.
MARCUS SMART
During Tuesday’s game against the Mavericks, Marcus Smart suffered a right finger injury after making a three and remained out for the rest of the game.
More to come on this as updates become available.
JAREN JACKSON JR.
Adding to Memphis’ woes is 2023 DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr., who missed his first game of the season against Dallas on Tuesday with a knee contusion.
The 24-year-old logged an impressive 28 points in 31 minutes during in Sunday’s 121-115 win against Phoenix, but seems to have bruised his knee in the process.
TYRESE HALIBURTON
Tyrese Haliburton had been enjoying a stellar season until he suffered a nasty fall during the Pacers’ 133-131 OT win over Boston on Monday.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski provided an update.
“Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, an MRI revealed on Tuesday, sources tell ESPN. He’s expected to be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks but there’s relief that he’s avoided serious injury,” Wojnarowski reported.
The guard slipped when driving through the lane in the second quarter and landed awkwardly in a split as his right leg slid out onto the floor.
The scenes were super concerning, as Haliburton managed to stand up, but his teammates James Johnson and Buddy Field had to carry him off the court.
“That was a very deflating moment,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “(But) this was an important game. Every game that we play has the ability to be a season-defining game.”
CADE CUNNINGHAM
The last thing the Pistons need is for their best player to go down, but Cade Cunningham has suffered a left knee strain.
Detroit fans will be happy to hear that Cade has “avoided any serious injury to his left knee”, according to Shams Charania.
The team announced he will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.
The injury occurred in the second quarter of Sunday’s 131-114 loss to Denver.
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