The NBA has seen a surge in injuries over the past few weeks, affecting key players across various teams.
Let’s check in on the status of some of these injured players.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the star player for the Bucks, has been sidelined since April 9th with a calf strain injury. Despite his absence, the Bucks managed to secure a win in Game 1, thanks to a stellar performance from Damian Lillard.
The Bucks are hopeful that Giannis will be able to make a comeback later in the series, as the usual recovery time for a calf strain is roughly one to two weeks. However, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers could not provide a definitive timeline for his return.
JOEL EMBIID
Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 2 against the Knicks on Monday, as he continues to recover from a left knee injury. Embiid re-aggravated the injury in Game 1, but there are no plans to shut down the reigning MVP.
Nick Nurse shared that Embiid’s knee is feeling “pretty good,” and the player himself has expressed a desire to continue playing through the injury.
KAWHI LEONARD
Kawhi Leonard sat out Game 1 due to knee inflammation, but the Clippers were able to secure a win with an impressive performance from James Harden. The exact nature of Leonard’s injury remains undisclosed, with uncertainty surrounding his availability for Game 2 and beyond.
Paul George acknowledged that Leonard’s presence is crucial for the team’s success, but reassured that they will hold their ground until he is ready to return.
