NBA Injury Report Week 30: Paul George could miss start of the 19/20 season, DeMarcus Cousins set for Finals return and more

DeMarcus Cousins could return for the Golden State Warriors in the Western Finals
DeMarcus Cousins could return for the Golden State Warriors in the Western Finals

The NBA Finals are finally here, and as always injuries are likely to play there part. The absence of a key player can swing a series, and all four of the remaining teams have at least one injury concern.

Players from already eliminated teams are also continuing their own recoveries ahead of the 19/20 season, and here are all the latest injury updates that you need to know.


DeMarcus Cousins - Quadriceps - Could Return Next Week

Cousins' time in Golden State has been impacted by injuries
Cousins' time in Golden State has been impacted by injuries

When DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn quad during the Golden State Warriors' Game 2 loss in the first round against the LA Clippers, it appeared that his season was over. However, the 29-year-old is progressing faster than expected, and Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting that Cousins could return for the Western Conference Finals:

Another reward for the victorious Warriors: League sources say that DeMarcus Cousins -- if he maintains his recent progress from a torn quad -- is on course to make a return to the Warriors' active roster during the Western Conference finals

Over 30 games this season, Cousins averaged 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 25.7 minutes.


Kevin Durant - Strained Right Calf - Should Return This Week

Kevin Durant has been in fine form for the Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant has been in fine form for the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors were without postseason scoring leader Kevin Durant as they closed out the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals. Durant injured his calf during Game 5, and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the series - but now that the Warriors have made the West Finals, Durant is on course to return later this week.

Pau Gasol - Left Ankle Injury - Out for the Season

Pau Gasol joined the Bucks after parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs
Pau Gasol joined the Bucks after parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs

A foot injury has restricted Pau Gasol to just three appearances for the Bucks since he joined the team from the Spurs back in March. The injury was only expected to keep Gasol out for five weeks, and he was expected to return ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the Bucks have now confirmed that Gasol will miss the entire playoffs:

Milwaukee Bucks center Pau Gasol underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a navicular stress fracture in his left foot. The surgery was performed in Green Bay, Wis., by Dr. Robert Anderson with oversight by Bucks team physician Dr. William Raasch of the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin health network.
Gasol will miss the remainder of the Playoffs and a full recovery is expected in time for training camp.

Paul George - Shoulder - Could Miss Start of the 19/20 Season

Paul George struggled as the Thunder exited the playoffs to Portland
Paul George struggled as the Thunder exited the playoffs to Portland

Before the All-Star break, Paul George was touted as a frontrunner for the MVP award. However, a persistent shoulder injury soon took its toll, and George was clearly in discomfort as the Thunder crashed out the playoffs to the Trail Blazers. George has since undergone surgery to fix the issue, and ESPN is reporting that the Thunder are unsure as to when he will return:

All-Star Paul George underwent rotator cuff surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his right shoulder. The expectation is he will miss at least the start of preseason training camp, league sources told ESPN. He is expected to make a full recovery, although it won't be until the preseason that the Thunder will next address a time frame for his return.

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