NBA Injury Report: Zion Williamson probable, Khris Middleton out and more updates on Jrue Holiday and Bam Adebayo | December 28, 2022

New Orleans Pelicans v Milwaukee Bucks
NBA injury report headlined by status of Zion Williamson and Khris Middleton.

Former NBA All-Star Zion Williamson could return to action tonight for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Zanos” missed two straight games while under the league's health and safety protocols.

The Pelicans sidelined him last Monday in their 113-93 win over the Indiana Pacers as Williamson worked on his conditioning. He joined the team’s practice on Tuesday, which will make his return probable.

One of the NBA’s most explosive players is averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals. He has already missed eight games this season after sitting out the entire 2021-22 campaign.

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently second in the tightly-contested Western Conference. They hold a 21-12 card, just a game behind pacesetters back-to-back NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks will not have Khris Middleton for the sixth straight game due to right knee soreness. He last played on December 15 in the Bucks’ humiliating 142-101 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

An off-season surgery to his non-shooting hand has caused the three-time NBA All-Star to play just seven games this season. Middleton, though, could be back in action soon as he has already reportedly practiced with the team.

The Milwaukee Bucks are on a three-game losing streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been playing at an NBA MVP level but has missed the presence of Middleton.

The Bucks will just have to do without their closer as Khris Middleton remains out.


Jrue Holiday: Left hamstring contusion; Injured since December 25, 2022

Former NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday is questionable for the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
Former NBA All-Star Jrue Holiday is questionable for the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.

The Milwaukee Bucks have designated a probable status for Jrue Holiday when they visit the Chicago Bulls tonight. Holiday has been dealing with a left hamstring contusion, which he reportedly acquired during their Christmas Day loss to the Boston Celtics.

Milwaukee has lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets and Celtics over the last five days. They will be hoping to snap their skid versus the Bulls with probably Holiday in the lineup.

The four-time NBA Defensive team member is averaging 18.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.5 steals. He is hitting just 36.5% of his three-point shots after a 41.1% clip last season.

Jevon Carter could be inserted into the starting lineup if Holiday is in street clothes.


Bam Adebayo: Right shoulder sprain; Injured since December 25, 2022

Bam Adebayo could miss another game due to a right shoulder sprain.
Bam Adebayo could miss another game due to a right shoulder sprain.

The Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo is suffering from a right shoulder sprain. His status for tonight’s game versus the LA Lakers is questionable. He did not play in their 113-110 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to illness.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra will have a ton of headaches if the one-time NBA All-Star isn’t available. The Heat have already ruled out backup center Dewayne Dedmon, while Udonis Haslem is also questionable. Omer Yurtseven hasn’t played a game yet this season.

Nikola Jovic has usually played in Adebayo’s starting center role when available. He could resume that duty should “Bam Bam” continue to be sidelined.

Third-string center Orlando Robinson could also have a more prominent role without their best big man.

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Edited by Michael Macasero