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The 2019-20 NBA season is about to head into the new year, and several teams around the league are missing important players as the first two months of the season have taken its toll. Extended absences may also force teams to look towards the trade market in the coming weeks, so and as we head into Week 11, here are all the latest injury updates you need to know.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Sore back - 50/50 to return on Monday
Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed the Milwaukee Bucks' past two wins due to a sore back, and head coach Mike Budenholzer last week revealed that the injury is something the Bucks will keep on eye on. NBC Chicago is reporting that the MVP is questionable for Milwaukee's game against Chicago on Monday evening, although the injury is not believed to be serious, and the 25-year-old should return at some point this week.
Also read: NBA Defensive Player of the Year 2020: December Power Rankings
#2 Eric Bledsoe - Leg - Expected to return this week
Eric Bledsoe has missed eight games since injuring his leg in mid-December following a collision with Wesley Matthews. However, the Bucks should be provided with a boast this week as K.C. Johnson of NBC Chicago is reporting that the veteran is expected to return on Monday night against the Bulls.
#3 Bradley Beal - Lower leg - Expected to return this week
Bradley Beal missed Washington's game against the New York Knicks on Saturday night- snapping his streak of appearing in 194 consecutive NBA games. Tim Reynolds is reporting that the shooting guard is also questionable for Monday night's game against the Miami Heat due to a lower leg injury, although the All-Star will return at some point this week.
#4 Zion Williamson - Knee - Expected to return this season
Zion Williamson entered the league as the most talked-about rookie since LeBron James, although the 19-year-old has yet to make his debut after suffering a knee injury in the weeks leading up to the season. The Duke product is already well behind his schedule to return, and some have suggested that he could sit out the remainder of the season. Nevertheless, the Pelicans still expect their young star to return this season, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that he could start contact drills in the new year.
#5 Mike Conley - Hamstring - Out for at least another week
Mike Conley has not played since re-injuring his hamstring during Utah's game against the Orlando Magic on Dec. 17. Joe Ingles has stepped up in the veteran's absence, and Shams Charania is reporting that the 32-year-old is expected to miss 'more weeks' with the injury.
#6 Luka Doncic - Head - Expected to be available on Tuesday
Luka Doncic returned from injury last week, although the Dallas star suffered a hard fall against the Lakers on Sunday night, and subsequently entered concussion protocol. The Slovenian eventually returned to the court, and while head coach Rick Carlisle couldn't provide the media with an update, Doncic should be available on Tuesday against the Thunder.
Also read: 5 teams that have over-achieved the most so far
#7 James Harden - Toe - Expected to return this week
James Harden missed his first game of the season on Sunday night as the Rockets suffered a surprise defeat to the Pelicans. Nevertheless, head coach Mike D'Antoni stated that Harden could have played if it was a must-win game for the Rockets, and the All-Stars toe injury is unlikely to sideline him this week.
#8 Patrick Beverley - Wrist - Expected to miss at least one game
Patrick Beverley injured his wrist while attempting a layup during LA's defeat to the Jazz on Sunday, and a subsequent X-ray revealed that there was no break. While the Clippers have yet to confirm if Beverley will miss time, Doc Rivers said he was concerned by the injury, but hoped that the 31-year-old would only miss one game.
#9 Trae Young - Ankle - Out Monday vs Orlando
Trae Young exited Atlanta's game against the Bucks on Friday night with a right ankle sprain, and the point guard also missed the Hawks' game against the Bulls. Young has been ruled out of Atlanta's game at the Magic tonight, and it is believed that the team will provide an update on his condition over the next two days.
