NBA Injury Report: Deandre Ayton still out, Zach LaVine still questionable, and more updates on Khris Middleton and Lonzo Ball | November 1, 2022

The NBA is only a few weeks old and already some big-name players are nursing injuries. Deandre Ayton and Zach LaVine have recently been added to their respective team’s injury reports. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton and Lonzo Ball haven’t played a single game yet this season.

The Phoenix Suns, who are off to a great start to their NBA season, will be pitted against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their next game. Coach Monty Williams will surely miss Ayton's services when they face the twin tower combo of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert.

Deandre Ayton sprained his ankle in the Suns’ win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Ayton stepped on the foot of Jonas Valanciunas after attempting a mid-range jumper in the first quarter. He didn’t return for the game and also didn’t dress up when Phoenix won their game against the Houston Rockets.

Ayton has played in five games for the Suns this season and is averaging 15.4 points on 54.8% shooting and 8.2 rebounds. Monty Williams informed NBA media after practice that the team’s starting center will be re-evaluated next week.

Zach Lavine has only played in four of the Chicago Bulls’ seven games. The team is taking a careful approach to the star guard’s troublesome left knee. LaVine underwent surgery in May after playing through pain and discomfort for most of last season.

The Bulls have kept him sidelined in their past two games against the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers, games where they both lost. LaVine is averaging 22.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. When healthy, he gives the Bulls another legitimate scoring threat to help DeMar DeRozan carry the team.

The Chicago Bulls will have a back-to-back schedule starting with a road game against the Brooklyn Nets before facing the Charlotte Hornets. If Zach LaVine suits up for the Bulls against the Nets, he will likely be out versus the Hornets.

Khris Middleton: Lower back injury, injured since April 20, 2022

Khris Middleton could return for the Milwaukee Bucks by mid November.

Khris Middleton last played in the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Chicago Bulls. The three-time All-Star suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee. Giannis Antetokounmpo dragged the Milwaukee Bucks to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics without the team’s second-best scorer.

The Bucks are the only unbeaten team in the NBA and they’re doing it without their big-time closer. Middleton is expected to miss the first three weeks of the season as he also had offseason surgery on his non-shooting hand.

If the Bucks stick to their schedule for Khris Middleton, he could have his debut this NBA season by mid-November. They’re likely to let him play during a home game, which could be against the Atlanta Hawks or Cleveland Cavaliers.

Lonzo Ball: Left knee injury, injured since Jan. 20, 2022

Lonzo Ball's troublesome knee will be re-evaluated after a few weeks since undergoing a second procedure.

The Chicago Bulls officially listed Lonzo Ball on their injury report due to a small meniscus tear in his left knee. Ball underwent surgery and was only expected to be out for six to eight weeks. It’s been nine months and the point guard is still not playing.

On Sept. 28, Ball had another procedure on his left knee, which guaranteed that he would miss training camp, preseason and part of the regular season. He will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.

The Chicago Bulls do not have a definite timeline for Ball’s return until the re-evaluation has taken place. Coach Billy Donovan doesn’t have any specific news on Ball’s status, but informed the NBA media that he was progressing.”

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