The NBA injury landscape shifted again this week, with the league’s biggest names either gearing up for a comeback or facing extended time on the sidelines.
Between LeBron James ramping up, Anthony Davis being held out longer than expected, and the New York Knicks losing multiple starters, several contenders are bracing for impact.
LeBron James is inching toward his first action of the season after being reassigned from the Lakers’ G League affiliate as part of his ramp-up.
James, who has missed the opening month due to sciatica, “was cleared to return to basketball activities in early November” and is now expected to be a full participant in team practice, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
James has been scrimmaging in five-on-five sessions and continues progressing without setbacks.
Last season, even as the oldest active player in the league, James averaged nearly a triple-double with 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game while playing 34 minutes a night.
While the Lakers prepare for James’ return, Anthony Davis remains unavailable. The 10x All-Star has been sidelined by a left calf strain and will miss at least another 7-10 days, according to multiple reports out of Dallas.
“He wants to be out there to help us,” Head coach Jason Kidd said. “But this gives him seven to ten days to get better or to get stronger. Hopefully, in seven to ten days, he’s back on the floor.”
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is taking a cautious approach, with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noting that Dumont “would not approve the ten-time All-Star’s return until he was provided medical metrics that indicated there was no risk of aggravating the calf strain or suffering a related, potentially catastrophic injury.”
Meanwhile, the Knicks suffered a major setback ahead of a long road trip. OG Anunoby is out with a left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
On top of that, Jalen Brunson remains day-to-day with an ankle sprain, leaving New York without two of its top scorers.
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