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The 18/19 NBA season is quickly approaching marching towards both the trade deadline and the annual All-Star Weekend in North Carolina. Apart from the few elite players that will be participating in the prestigious All-Star Game, the majority of the NBA will have a one-week break to recover and prepare for the business end of the season.
The All-Star event will serve as a much-needed break for a number of injury-struck teams around the league, and as we enter the final stretch of the 18/19 campaign, here are the latest injury updates on some of the NBA's biggest stars.
Clint Capela - Thumb Injury - February 21st
After undergoing surgery to repair ligament damage in his thumb back in mid-January, Clint Capela has missed the last 10 Houston games. The Rockets have used Kenneth Faried during Capela's absence, although Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that Capela is set to return for the teams game against the Lakers on February 21st.
LeBron James - Rest/Soreness - Will play on Tuesday
LeBron James missed 17 consecutive games due to a groin strain that he suffered against the Warriors on Christmas Day, although James finally returned on Thursday to steer the Lakes past the Clippers. Just days later, LeBron missed the Lakers road defeat to the Golden State Warriors, although the 34-year-old was only rested due to soreness, and James is set to start on Tuesday against the Pacers.
Anthony Davis - Finger Injury - No return date
Anthony Davis was expected to return from his finger injury last week, although the 6-time All-Star has since requested a trade. In light of this, the Pelicans have offered no update on Davis' injury status, although some reports have claimed that Davis is fit. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is unlikely to play for the team again, as the Pelicans won't want to risk an injury recurrence.
Also read: Celtics vs Cavaliers - Starting Lineup and Match Prediction
Also read: Bucks Trade Rumors Roundup, February 4th
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors Roundup, February 4th
Also read: NBA Games Today, Latest Results and Where to Watch, February 5th
Kristaps Porzingis - Torn ACL (Left Knee) - Not Expected to return this season
Dallas Mavericks fans are eager to see their recent signing take to the court alongside rookie sensation Luka Doncic, however, the latest update provided by Mavericks owner Marc Cuban (Via ESPN) does not make good reading for either Porzingis or Dallas fans.
Kristaps Porzingis probably will not play for the Mavericks this season as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee suffered a year ago, Dallas owner Mark Cuban told ESPN
The 23-year-old has not featured in an NBA game since tearing his ACL during the Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks in February of 2018. The last official update that the Knicks provided came back in December when the team stated that Porizingis' knee 'was healing well'. Nevertheless, the Mavericks are themselves out of playoff contention, and if fully fit, the 2018 All-Star is still unlikely to be risked in the final weeks of the season.
Kevin Love - Toe Injury - Could return this week
Kevin Love has not featured for the Cavs since October and the 5-time All-Star has played a total of just four times during the 18/19 campaign. Nevertheless, Love returned to non-contact training two weeks ago, before finally returning to 5 on 5 drills towards the end of last week. Due to this, CBS Sports is reporting that Love has come through practice unscathed and could return for the Cavs ahead of the All-Star break.
After Saturday's contest, the Cavaliers will have two days off before their next game Tuesday against Boston, potentially affording Love a couple more opportunities to prove his health in practice. If Love gains clearance for the first of the Cavs' three games during the upcoming week, he'll likely have his minutes limited initially after being sidelined for more than three months following surgery to repair his left toe.
Due to the small possibility that Love could still be traded ahead of the deadline, the Cavs are unlikely to risk Love against the Celtics, although Friday's game against the Wizards looks likely.
