NBA Injury Report: LeBron James questionable, Anthony Davis questionable and more updates on Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic (April 7, 2023)

NBA superstar LeBron James has been ruled questionable by the LA Lakers for their matchup on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. James has had the same designation due to right foot soreness since his return from a 13-game absence on Mar. 26 against the Chicago Bulls.

“King James” racked up two impressive performances in back-to-back games, which might mean that he’s no longer as bothered by the right foot injury. The Lakers, however, remain cautious and have given him the same status for the game against the Suns.

The 19x NBA All-Star asserted after the All-Star break that the last remaining regular-season games will be the most important of his career. He showed it by finding a way to avoid surgery on his right foot that might have ended his campaign. James also played consecutive games for the first time in a long while.

Friday night against the Suns will be another crucial game for the seventh-seeded Lakers (41-39). They are one game behind the Golden State Warriors (41-39) for the sixth spot and outright playoff berth. He will likely push his way to play against Phoenix.

If he’s not available, expect Rui Hachimura or Troy Brown Jr. to take his spot in Darvin Ham’s starting five.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has also been ruled questionable due to a right foot stress injury. The eight-time NBA All-Star, who wasn’t previously cleared to play back-to-back games, was given the go-signal to do so on Wednesday. Davis played against the Utah Jazz on April 4 and the LA Clippers the following night.

Still, the Lakers have been cautious after putting AD to the test over the last few games. His availability tonight remains uncertain as he has reportedly been limited in practice.

Given the importance of Friday night’s matchup, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Davis in action against one of the NBA’s elite title contenders.

Anthony Davis is averaging 26.3 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 54 games. It will be a big boost to the Lakers’ chances of winning the game if he’s available.

Mo Bamba could start in Davis’ place if the NBA superstar is unable to play.

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Zion Williamson: Right hamstring strain; Injured since: January 2, 2023

Zion Williamson’s scheduled re-evaluation didn’t change his status on Friday night and for the rest of the New Orleans Pelicans’ remaining two games.

Pelicans GM David Griffin had this to say about the NBA All-Star’s status:

“After further evaluation, it has been determined that Zion Williamson will continue his rehabilitation and conditioning regimen.

We will continue to monitor his progression, and updates will be provided as warranted.”

New Orleans has two games remaining. They will face the New York Knicks on Friday night and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. The eighth-seeded Pelicans (41-39) can still overtake the Golden State Warriors (42-38) for the sixth-seed and outright postseason appearance.

The Pelicans will have to win their next two games without Zion Williamson and will likely navigate the Play-in Tournament without him.

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Luka Doncic: Left thigh injury recovery; Injured since: March 8, 2023

Luka Doncic suffered a left thigh injury on Mar. 8 in the Dallas Mavericks’ 113-106 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He missed his team’s next five games before returning on March 22 versus the Golden State Warriors. Doncic has played in eight straight games since then but is a staple in the Warriors’ injury report.

The NBA All-Star guard has been ruled probable for Friday night’s matchup against the Chicago Bulls. Doncic vowed to the media on Wednesday that he will not sit out if the Mavericks still have a chance of making the play-in tournament.

Dallas’ 123-119 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night kept their hopes alive of getting a play-in ticket. Doncic should be in uniform tonight despite the probable status.