NBA Injury Report Week 20: Lonzo Ball return date, Joel Embiid update and more

The 2018/19 NBA regular season is quickly approaching the final stretch. Teams around the league now have less than 20 games remaining to make a final push for the postseason, and over the past seven days, many teams were tasked with playing four times, including back-back matchups.

Due to the relentless schedule that has resumed following the All-Star Break, the prospect of injuries has increased, and a number of contenders are currently having to cope without their star players. So, as we enter March, here are the latest injury updates regarding the NBA's top stars.

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Markelle Fultz - Shoulder Injury - Out Indefinitely

Fultz was recently traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Orlando Magic

Markelle Fultz has yet to play for the Orlando Magic since joining from the Philadelphia 76ers, and despite the possibility that the Magic will make the playoffs, NBA insider Keith Smith has reported that Fultz will not return to the court this season.

Since moving to Orlando last month, the Magic organization have yet to offer a new update on the young point guard's condition, and at the moment, all signs point to Fultz continuing his rehab rather than rushing back for a potential playoff appearance.

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Joel Embiid - Knee Tendinitis - Next Week

The Sixers have recently missed the offensive impact of Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid has missed the Philadelphia 76ers' last five games due to tendinitis in his left knee, although despite initial worries over a long term absence, Embiid is believed to be nearing a return.

Following the Sixers' weekend defeat to the Golden State Warriors, Embiid told reporters that he 'expects to be back by next week' adding he is 'just taking it day-by-day'. The Sixers play four times in the next seven days, and Sunday's clash against the Indiana Pacers looks to be the most likely for Embiid's return.

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Andre Roberson - Left Knee - At least 4 weeks

Andre Roberson has missed more than a year through injury

Andre Roberson has now been out of action for more than a year with a left knee injury, although the 27-year-old could finally be nearing a return to action. Maddie Lee of NewsOK is reporting that Roberson has made significant progress in recent weeks, and Billy Donovan remains optimistic that his defensive stopper will return ahead of the playoffs:

Andre Roberson sifted along the 3-point line, launching shots after shootaround Tuesday. He wore a black sleeve over his left leg, compressing the knee that he’d had multiple operations on since rupturing his patellar tendon 13 months ago.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan reiterated Tuesday that he does not have a timetable for Roberson’s return, but the team is optimistic that he could be able to return at some point this season.

Upon returning to full contact training, Roberson will need a minimum of three weeks of practice to return to full fitness. This means that time is running out for the guard to feature in the regular season, although a playoff return for Roberson currently seems realistic.

Lonzo Ball - Bone Bruise (Sprained Left Ankle) - Unknown

Lonzo Ball missed the whole of February through injury

Lonzo Ball suffered an ankle sprain during the Los Angeles Lakers’ January 19 game against the Houston Rockets, and the point guard was subsequently ruled out for 4-6 weeks. This injury time frame has now passed, although Ball is believed to still be some way off of rejoining his Lakers teammates for their faltering playoff push.

While the Lakers have been less than forthcoming regarding information on Ball's injury, Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell has provided this update:

The Lakers medical staff has determined that while Lonzo Ball continues to make progress towards a return to play, he needs more healing/recovery time due to a bone bruise related to the ankle sprain suffered on Jan. 19.

The Lakers are expected to update the media on Ball's injury status later this week, although time is now running out for Ball to make a return and help the Lakers make a final push for the postseason.