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We are now well over a third of the way into the 2019-20 NBA season, and teams around the league are contending with a number of injuries to key performers. With the race to make the playoffs heating up, teams are eager to get their best players back, and here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know heading into Week 12 of the season.
#1 Zion Williamson - Knee - Could return this month
Zion Williamson entered the league as the most talked-about rookie since LeBron James, although the Duke product has yet to make his NBA debut after suffering a knee injury in the weeks leading up the season. Nevertheless, while Williamson has missed more time than initially expected, the 19-year-old has finally returned to full practice, and the New Orleans star could make his debut within the next two weeks.
#2 Kyrie Irving - Shoulder - No return date set/could need surgery
Following an impressive start to life in Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving's last appearance with the Nets came back in Denver on Nov. 14. A shoulder injury has kept the All-Star sidelined, and the Nets have been largely quiet on the extent of the injury. Nevertheless, Irving spoke to the press at Barclays Center ahead of Brooklyn's game on Saturday night and revealed that he may need to undergo surgery if his current rehab plans do not work out as planned.
#3 Avery Bradley - Ankle - Not expected to miss significant time
Avery Bradley left the Lakers' win over the Pistons on Sunday with a sprained right ankle. Bradley suffered the injury in the second quarter while attempting to score on the break, although X-rays came back negative. The Lakers will provide a further update on Monday, although head coach Frank Vogel is confident that the 29-year-old will quickly return.
#4 Jonathan Isaac - Knee - Out indefinitely
Jonathan Isaac has been Orlando's best performer for much of the season, although the 22-year-old faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his knee against the Wizards. Isaac immediately grabbed his left knee and was stretchered off, and the Magic have since confirmed that the forward will miss at least two months before being re-evaluated.
#5 Pascal Siakam - Groin - No return date set
After being named Most Improved Player last season, Pascal Siakam was beginning to establish himself as one of the East's best players during the opening weeks of the season, although the 25-year-old has missed nine consecutive games due to a groin injury. Following a downturn in form, the Raptors are eager to get their star man back on the court, although Nick Nurse has warned that Siakam remains 'a ways away' from a return.
#6 Rui Hachimura - Groin - Out for two more weeks
Rui Hachimura has not played since injuring his groin against the Pistons in mid-December, and the Wizards hoped to have their rookie star back in time for the new year. Nevertheless, Hachimura's recovery is taking longer than estimated, and the 21-year-old will miss at least another two weeks.
#7 DeMarcus Cousins - ACL - Could return in the playoffs
DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn ACL just weeks after signing for the Lakers, and the former All-Star was initially expected to miss the entire season. Nevertheless, Cousins has started to take part in LA's shootarounds, and head coach Frank Vogel has refused to rule out the possibility of the 29-year-old returning later this year.
Also read: Will Lakers make a move to trade Kyle Kuzma?
#8 Nerlens Noel - Ankle - Out for at least one game
Nerlens Noel injured his ankle in the third quarter of OKC's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, and the center didn't return to the court. While the injury isn't thought to be serious, The Oklahoman is reporting that the 25-year-old will at least miss the Thunder's game against the Sixers on Monday.
#9 Kevin Porter Jr. - Knee - Will undergo MRI scan on Monday
Kevin Porter Jr.'s emergence has been one of the few positives for the struggling Cavaliers this season, although the 19-year-old suffered an injury to his left knee during Cleveland's latest defeat to the Timberwolves on Sunday. Cleveland.com is reporting that the Cavs were optimistic after performing an initial examination on the injury, although they won't know the full extent of the injury until they perform an MRI later today.
