#1 Joel Embiid - Hand - Will be re-evaluated this week
Joel Embiid suffered a gruesome finger during Philadelphia’s victory over the Thunder last week. The injury was severe enough that Embiid had to undergo surgery on a torn ligament in his left hand, and while the 25-year-old has been absent for the Sixers over the past week, it is believed that he will be re-assessed ahead of a potential return over the next seven days.
#2 Zion Williamson - Knee - Continues to make progress
Zion Williamson has yet to make his much-awaited NBA debut after suffering a knee injury in the weeks leading up to the season. Nevertheless, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry told the media last week that the 19-year-old was playing 5-on-5 as he continues to close in on a return to full fitness - and it is believed that the Duke product could still be on track to make his debut later this month.
#3 LeBron James - Illness - Likely to return on Monday
LeBron James missed just his second game of the season on Friday as illness kept him out of LA’s win over the Mavericks. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old is listed as probable for Monday’s game against his former team, and he should make a swift return to the court.
#4 Steph Curry - Hand - Will be re-evaluated in February
Steph Curry underwent surgery on his broken left hand in early November and the two-time MVP was initially ruled out for three months. Due to Golden State’s poor form this season, there have been reports that the 31-year-old may sit out the rest of the season, although head coach Steve Kerr maintains that Curry will play again this season - and his injury will be reassessed next month.
#5 Marvin Bagley III - Foot - Expected to return this week
Injuries have reduced Marvin Bagley III to just nine appearances this season, and the Sacramento star has recently missed time due to a foot injury. However, Kings’ head coach Luke Walton told Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee that he expects the 20-year-old will return on Monday as the Kings take on the Magic.
#6 Kevin Porter Jr. - Knee - Out for 4-6 weeks
Kevin Porter Jr. suffered a knee injury against the Timberwolves last Sunday and the Cavaliers subsequently announced that the youngster would be re-evaluated in two weeks. Nevertheless, Kelsey Russo of The Athletic is reporting that the injury is worse than first thought, and the 19-year-old is expected to miss at least the next month.
#7 Anthony Davis - Gluteus maximus contusion - Questionable for Monday but should return this week
Anthony Davis has missed LA’s past two games after suffering a nasty fall against the Knicks on Tuesday night. The 26-year-old is still listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Cavs due to gluteus maximus contusion, although the injury isn’t believed to be serious and Davis should return at some point this week.
#8 Victor Oladipo - Knee - Will return on Jan. 29
Victor Oladipo has not played for the Indiana Pacers since he ruptured the quad tendon in his knee against the Toronto Raptors back on Jan. 23 of last year. Nevertheless, the two-time All-Star has stepped up his recovery over the last few months, and Oladipo has announced that he will make his return on Jan. 29.
#9 Marc Gasol - Hamstring - Should return this week
The Toronto Raptors received a major boost on Sunday night as Pascal Siakam returned from injury, although Marc Gasol was once again absent. Gasol was listed as questionable for the game against the Spurs after missing more than a month with a hamstring injury, and it appears that the veteran could finally make his return at some point over the next week.
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