Let’s take a look at some injury and availability updates from around the league:
- Kristaps Porzingis should make his season debut within the next week-and-a-half, per coach Rick Carlisle. The big man had surgery on his torn meniscus this past offseason and is reportedly a “full go” at practice.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (left wrist) will be re-evaluated once the team completes their current road trip. “He’s progressed steadily. He’s doing a little bit more, where he can kind of handle a ball on the court,” Saunders said prior to Tuesday’s game against Denver. “Won’t be available tonight. Won’t be available next game. When we get back to Minnesota, we’ll evaluate more.”
- Darius Garland remains out with a strained right shoulder, though rookie Isaac Okoro (foot) is expected to suit up in the Cavaliers’ matchup against the Magic on Wednesday, our own Sam Amico reports. (ICYMI: Dante Exum is expected to miss 1-2 months).
- Michael Carter-Williams has a mild bone bruise and sprained ligament in his left foot, per the Magic. He won’t play against the Cavs on Wednesday and could miss additional time.
- No. 7 overall pick Killian Hayes is on his way to see a hip specialist, as he’s been diagnosed with a labral tear. Per Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, the rookie may miss four-to-six weeks if he can avoid surgery.
- Knicks guard Alec Burks is now in a walking boot, per the team. The veteran has missed the last four games due to an ankle injury and further testing set him back. He’ll be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
- Kawhi Leonard hasn’t been officially ruled out but he played 37 minutes in the Clippers-Spurs contest on Tuesday, the first leg of their current back-to-back. Paul George could also sit against the Warriors on Wednesday. He missed the game Tuesday with an ankle injury.
- Rajon Rondo has been ruled out for the next three Hawks games with left knee soreness.
- The Grizzlies have been hit with a rash of injuries early in the season but they did get De’Anthony Melton back on Tuesday night. Melton had been sidelined due to COVID protocols.
- Kevin Durant remains out for the Nets because of COVID protocols and Brooklyn is also without Rodions Kurucs because of a left ankle injury.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has missed two-straight games for the Lakers with an ankle injury. There’s no official word on when he’ll be back. Kyle Kuzma has been starting in place of KCP.
