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After a long and exciting season of basketball, the end is finally on the horizon -- as the NBA rolls into the final week of the regular season. The 2019 playoffs will begin on Saturday, and while the participants from the West have long been established, the final playoff spot remains up for grabs in the East. Entering the seasons concluding two games, the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat still have a shot at grabbing the final postseason spot.
So, as the playoffs finally near, here is the latest status of the key player's from around the NBA.
#1 Markelle Fultz - Shoulder Injury - Unlikely to return this season
Markelle Fultz had previously been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, however, with the Magic extending their season by reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2012, some have suggested that Fultz could return.
However, Fultz won't be making his Magic debut anytime soon, as the young point guard continues his rehab from a nerve disorder. Last month, Fultz described his recovery as 'progressing well' and the Magic will be hopeful that their February trade-deadline acquisition will return in time for the start of the 19/20 season.
#2 Pau Gasol - Left Ankle Injury - Should return for the playoffs
A left ankle injury has meant that Pau Gasol has only played three times for the Bucks since joining the team from the Spurs back in February. The injury will keep Gasol out of action during the final week of the regular season, although should the Bucks advance -- the 38-year-old is on course to return for the second round of the postseason
#3 James Ennis III - Quadriceps - Should return late next week
James Ennis III suffered a right quad contusion during Philadelphia's loss to the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday, and the team has since announced that the will be re-evaluated in two weeks time.
The injury leaves Philadelphia short heading into the playoffs, although if Ennis recovers as expected, he should only miss the first three games of their first-round series.
#4 Andre Iguodala - Toe Injury - Should return this week
Andre Iguodala once again missed the Golden State Warriors game against the Clippers last night. It was the third straight game that Iguodala has missed, however, it is believed that the Warriors are simply being cautious -- and the veteran is likely to return for Golden State's first postseason game.
#5 Andre Roberson - Kneecap - Set to miss playoffs
After suffering a knee injury during the Thunder's win over the Pistons in January of 2018, Andre Roberson has yet to return to the court. Roberson missed the second half of the 17/18 season after undergoing a routine operation, and while he had been expected to return before Christmas, the shooting guard's comeback has been delayed by a number of setbacks.
The Thunder had hoped that Roberson would still be able to return before the season's end, although Erik Horne of The Oklahoman is reporting that the 27-year-old's hopes of playing any part of the season are now over:
Sort of a foregone conclusion with the playoffs starting next week, but Billy Donovan essentially said Andre Roberson will not return this season. Donovan said Roberson is running but not doing anything in practice.
