#1 Zion Williamson - Knee - Expected to play on January 22nd
Zion Williamson has yet to play this season after suffering a knee injury back in October. Williamson was initially expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a torn meniscus - although the 19-year-old’s recovery has taken longer than expected. Nevertheless, Williamson has proven his fitness to the Pelicans coaching staff over the past week, and he is expected to make his NBA debut on Wednesday as New Orleans play the Spurs.
#2 Rui Hachimura - Groin - Expected to be out until at least February
Rui Hachimura’s last appearance came on Dec. 16 - and the rookie has now missed Washington’s last 17 games due to a groin injury. The Wizards initially believed that the 21-year-old would return at some point this month, although head coach Scott Brooks told the media over the weekend that a February return was now more likely.
#3 RJ Barrett - Ankle - Will be re-evaluated this week
RJ Barrett has missed three consecutive games for the Knicks after suffering an injury during the team’s blowout loss to the Suns on Thursday. Nevertheless, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting that X-rays on the injury came back negative, and the 19-year-old will be re-evaluated later this week ahead of a potential return.
#4 Justise Winslow - Back - Out for at least another 10 days
Justise Winslow has played just 11 times for the Heat this season due to injuries, and the 23-year-old has missed 21 of Miami’s last 22 games due to a back problem. Winslow played against the Pacers on Jan. 8, although after seemingly suffering another setback, he will remain on the sidelines until at least the end of January.
#5 DeAndre Jordan - Finger - Will be re-evaluated this week
DeAndre Jordan dislocated his right middle finger during Brooklyn’s loss to the Sixers last week and there was initially concerns that the center would need to undergo surgery. However, ESPN’s Malika Andrews is reporting that Jordan’s finger doesn’t require surgery, and the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated this week ahead of a likely return.
#6 Kristaps Porzingis - Knee - Expected to return on Tuesday
Following a promising start to the season, Kristaps Porzingis has missed Dallas’ past 10 games due to a knee injury. However, ESPN is reporting that Porzingis returned to full practice on Sunday, and the 24-year-old could finally return to the court on Tuesday when the Mavs take on the Clippers.
#7 D.J. Augustin - Knee - Out for 3-4 weeks
The Magic will be without backup point guard D.J. Augustin for the remainder of the month due to a left knee bone irritation. The team has ruled the 32-year-old out for the next three-to-four weeks, although Augustin could face a much larger spell on the sidelines if he is forced to undergo surgery.
#8 Anthony Davis - Gluteus Maximum Contusion - Expected to return this week
Anthony Davis has missed the Lakers’ past five games due to a gluteus maximum contusion that he suffered following a hard-fall against the Knicks. The 26-year-old remains questionable for LA’s game against the Celtics on Monday, although the All-Star is expected to return at some point during his team’s five-game road trip.
#9 Steph Curry - Hand - Could return on March 1
Steph Curry has not played since breaking his left hand against the Suns back on Oct. 30. Due to Golden State’s torrid season, there have been suggestions that the 31-year-old could be rested for the remainder of the season, although The Athletic is reporting that Curry is fully focused on returning this year, and the two-time MVP could be back on March 1st.
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