We are getting closer and closer to NBA playoffs and it seems everyone is nicked up at this point of the season. Let’s breakdown some of the biggest injuries and what that means to the team they play for.
Spender Dinwiddie Point Guard Brooklyn Nets
It’s been four weeks since Spender Dinwiddie underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his thumb and it’s still unclear how long he will be out. He has returned to on-court work but he still probably won’t return to the court until mid to the end of March.
Wendall Carter Jr. Center Chicago Bulls
Wendall Carter Jr. had the pin removed from his thumb so his recovery is on track but it will still be a while before he returns to the court. He isn’t expected back until the end of March and if he isn’t fully healthy I wouldn’t be shocked to see he be held out for the entire season.
Michael Porter Jr. Power Forward Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr is still dealing with the same back injury that dropped him down many draft boards and it’s really unclear when he will be back. The hope is that he will be able to overcome this and it won’t hinder him his whole career, but that seems to be up in the air at this point.
Lonzo Ball Point Guard Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball is still dealing with a bad sprain ankle and won’t be back until at least March 1st. The Lakers are really missing him right now and if the team doesn’t start to win a few games, they will be missing out on the playoffs.
George Hill Point Guard Milwaukee Bucks
George Hill suffered a groin injury over the weekend and he is expected to miss a few games. While he is out the bench depth is going to be tested.
Robert Covington Small Forward Minnesota Timberwolves
Robert Covington has been out a while now dealing with an ankle injury but it seems he is closer to a return. The Timberwolves are starting to click and make a push for the playoffs so when he gets back it will only booster that hope.
Markelle Fultz Point Guard Orlando Magic
Markelle Fultz is still dealing with the same shoulder injury that the Philadelphia 76ers got so frustrated with they traded him.
It’s unclear when he will be back, or if he will even be back this year but the team hasn’t had him play so it doesn’t really have much effect on them right now.
Joel Embiid Center Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid is now dealing with a knee injury that seems to have popped out of nowhere and is concerning. He could be back in a couple of games or this could be a long term injury, the Sixers have not said much about his condition.
Fred VanVleet Point Guard Toronto Raptors
Fred VanVleet opted to undergo surgery for this thumb and is expected to be out at least four more weeks but should be back by the playoffs for sure.
