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The 2019-20 NBA season will finally get underway this week, although there are already a substantial number of players who are missing through injury. Big names such as Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins are set to miss the entire season, while Paul George will also miss the opening month after undergoing surgery in the summer.
There are also plenty of individuals who have suffered injury setbacks over the past few weeks, and here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know ahead of the start of the new season.
Russell Westbrook - Hand - Expected to play opening night
Russell Westbrook left the court during Houston's final preseason game against the Heat on Friday. The 2017 MVP hurt his hand driving to the basket and immediately headed to the locker room. After the game, Mike D'Antoni revealed that Westbrook had dislocated a finger, although the point guard is set to be fit enough to lineup alongside James Harden.
Zion Williamson - Right Knee - Out for 'A period of weeks'
Zion Williamson is the most talked-about teenager to enter the league since LeBron James back in 2003, although NBA fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see his debut. It is believed that Williamson suffered an injury to his right knee against the Spurs on Oct. 13, and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting the 19-year-old will miss 'weeks'.
Nevertheless, Wojnarowski also states that the injury is not though to be severe, and Pelicans fans shouldn't be fearful that injuries could derail Williamson's rookie campaign.
Alex Caruso - Pelvis - Day-to-Day
Alex Caruso left the court during last Friday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors and was subsequently diagnosed with suffering a bone contusion in his pelvis. Caruso underwent further testing over the weekend, and the Lakers announced last night that he was his condition is day-to-day heading into the opening week of the season.
Isaiah Thomas - Thumb - Could Return This Week
Isaiah Thomas didn't feature in preseason as he nursed a thumb injury, and the veteran was expected to miss the opening few weeks of the season. Nevertheless, Fred Katz of The Athletic is reporting that Thomas is well ahead of schedule and is now in contention to feature in Wednesday's season opener against Dallas.
Eric Bledsoe - Ribs - Questionable
Eric Bledsoe is working back from fractured cartilage between two of his ribs. The point guard suffered the injury on Oct. 9 against the Jazz, although Bledsoe practiced over the weekend, and a final decision will be made ahead of Thursday's season opener at Houston.
Kyle Kuzma - Foot - Will Miss Season Opener
Kyle Kuzma missed preseason with a foot injury that he suffered while playing with Team USA. The 24-year-old has increased his workout intensity over the past week ahead of his return, although Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that he will miss LA's season opener,
Austin Rivers - Shoulder - Expected to Play Opening Night
Austin Rivers left Houston's preseason game against the Miami Heat after suffering a shoulder injury, leaving his participation in the Rockets' season opener in doubt. However, The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the 27-year-old's injury isn't serious, and he should be available to play this week.
Kevon Looney - Hamstring - Expected to Play Opening Night
Kevon Looney has been battling a hamstring strain over the past month and it was reported last week that he was struggling to be fit for the Warriors' opening game. However, Steve Kerr told the press on Sunday that Looney had returned to contact training, and is in line to start at center.
Pau Gasol - Foot - Will Miss Opening Night
Pau Gasol missed all of Portland's training camp as he continued to rehabilitate his surgically-repaired left foot. Oregon Live is reporting that the veteran is healing well, although the Spaniard is expected to miss the opening few weeks of the season as the Trail Blazers don't want to rush him back.
