NBA Injury Report: Trae Young questionable, Jimmy Butler out and more updates on Bradley Beal and OG Anunoby | December 14, 2022

NBA All-Star Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks is back on his team’s injury report. He has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game versus the Orlando Magic.

Young experienced tightness on his back last Sunday in the Hawks’ thrilling overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. He played a team-high 42 minutes, scoring 19 points on just 5-18 shooting, including 2-8 from long range. Young added a game-high 14 assists in the loss.

The back felt worse on Monday, so the Hawks ultimately kept him out when the team visited the Memphis Grizzlies. Without the two-time NBA All-Star, the Hawks limped to a frustrating loss against the Grizzlies.

Trae Young could miss back-to-back games if the tightness continues. Aaron Holiday, Trent Forrest and Vit Krejci's minutes are expected to go up if “Ice Trae” is held out.

The Atlanta Hawks are also missing one of their NBA All-Stars in Dejounte Murray due to an ankle sprain.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have ruled out Jimmy Butler yet again. Miami has been extremely careful with Butler’s fragile knee and will continue to manage his load. The Heat will be playing in back-to-back games starting tonight versus the OKC Thunder before facing the Houston Rockets.

If the Heat are just erring on the side of caution with Butler’s troublesome knee, the six-time NBA All-Star should be available against the Rockets.

“Jimmy G. Buckets” will be missing his 11th game of the season for the Heat. He is averaging 21.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Butler is in the midst of a career-high shooting season, hitting 52.4% of his shots, including 36.8% from deep.

It remains unclear who head coach Erik Spoelstra will insert into Miami’s starting unit as the team is riddled with injuries.

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Bradley Beal: Right hamstring strain; Injured since December 4, 2022

Bradley Beal has been upgraded to questionable tonight for the Washington Wizards.

Bradley Beal played only four minutes in the Washington Wizards’ humiliating loss to the LA Lakers. Beal suffered a right hamstring strain, which forced him to helplessly watch Anthony Davis torch the Wizards for 55 points.

He has now missed Washington’s last four games but has been upgraded to questionable tonight when they visit the Denver Nuggets. Beal reportedly joined the Wizards’ on-court practices which could mean he could see action any time soon.

The hamstring may not be ready yet when the Wizards try to beat back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on the road. Corey Kispert, who has taken Beal’s role in the starting unit, could resume his job if Beal remains out.

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OG Anunoby: Left hip strain; Injured since December 7, 2022

OG Anunoby is expected to miss multiple games due to a left hip strain.

The Toronto Raptors have ruled out forward OG Anunoby for the third straight game as he is suffering from a left hip strain. He will not be available tonight when the Toronto Raptors host the Sacramento Kings.

Anunoby, the NBA’s steals leader, hasn’t played a game since the Raptors beat the LA Lakers on December 7. Anunoby played 34 minutes in that match, scoring 23 points and grabbing six rebounds.

The Raptors’ hard-nosed and versatile forward is making a strong case for the NBA’s Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year awards, respectively. He might also make the All-Star team if he sustains and even improves his performance.

OG Anunoby is averaging 19.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.4 steals in 26 games. Gary Trent’s minutes are expected to go up without Anunoby. The budding star will miss multiple games as he will still be re-evaluated.