NBA Injury Report Week 23: Derrick Rose update, latest McCollum status and more

The 2018/19 NBA regular season is rapidly nearing its conclusion. With just 10 games remaining, teams around the league are increasingly looking towards the playoffs, although a number of teams are currently without influential players. So, as we enter Week 23 of the regular season, here are the latest injury updates regarding some of the NBA's top stars.

Pau Gasol - Left Ankle Injury - Out For Remainder of Regular Season

Following his release from the Spurs, Pau Gasol joined the Bucks earlier this month

Pau Gasol only joined the Bucks at the start of the month, although his new team will now be without his services for the remainder of the regular season. A left ankle has shut down Gasol and ESPN's Malika Andrews is reporting that the Spaniard won't be returning for at least a month.

Gasol has already missed significant time this season with a stress fracture in his foot, although based on his current injury timeline, the 38-year-old should still feature for the Bucks in the playoffs.

Derrick Rose - Right Elbow Injury - Out Indefinitely

Derrick Rose will miss the remainder of the season Minnesota Timberwolves

Derrick Rose's resurgence has been one of the best stories of the season, although the former MVP now looks set for an extended period on the sidelines. After missing multiple games due to discomfort in his elbow, the Timberwolves sent Rose for testing, which revealed a fractured elbow. With Minnesota's playoff prospects already over, the team immediately sent Rose for surgery, providing the following update:

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced guard Derrick Rose underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Rose will be sidelined indefinitely and further updates to his progress will be issued when available.

Evidently, Rose's season is now over, although Rose is expected to be fit for the start of the 19/20 season.

CJ McCollum - Knee Injury - Should Return Later This Week

The Portland Trail Blazers have won their last three games without their star shooting guard

CJ McCollum has now missed the Portland Trail Blazers last three games due to a knee injury. The 27-year-old suffered the injury during the Blazers defeat to the San Antonio Spurs last Saturday, and despite being re-assessed at the weekend, McCollum remains out. Nevertheless, it is believed that the shooting guard's injury is minor, and McCollum is expected to return to the court later this week.

Kelly Oubre Jr. - Thumb Injury - Out For Season

Kelly Oubre Jr has impressed for the Phoenix Suns this season

Kelly Oubre Jr. was enjoying the best month of his career until he suffered a thumb injury during the Suns trip to New Orleans. The injury has caused the 23-year-old to miss the Suns last three games, and the team has since confirmed that Oubre Jr. won't be seen on the court again this season:

Kelly Oubre Jr. today underwent a procedure on a sprained left thumb after suffering the injury in the Suns’ game at New Orleans on March 16. His expected recovery time is approximately four to six weeks.

Robert Covington - Knee Injury - Out For Season

Covington's season is over for the Minnesota Timberwolves

Robert Covington was expected to return to the court following a knee injury at the beginning of March, although this never happened. The Timberwolves repeatedly pushed back the veteran's return date, and the team has now confirmed that Covington is set to miss the remainder of the season:

Covington had made improvements in his recovery and had progressed to on-court activities, in preparation to rejoin the team. However, he recently suffered a setback which will require further treatment before returning to the court and as a result, is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Dennis Smith Jr. - Back Injury - Set to Return This Week

Smith Jr. was recently traded to the Knicks from the Mavericks

Dennis Smith Jr. has missed the New York Knicks' last six games, although the teams starting point guard is likely to return later this week. The 21-year-old's back injury will be re-assessed at some point today or tomorrow, and barring a new setback, Smith should be back on the court by the week's end.