NBA Injury Report: Paul George questionable, Zion Williamson upgraded to probable and more updates on Paolo Banchero and Damian Lillard | November 21, 2022

The LA Clippers’ seven-time NBA All-Star Paul George has been listed as questionable by the team ahead of tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz. George, who has already missed one game, is dealing with right knee soreness.

“PG-13” played only 15 minutes in the Clippers’ dominating win against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday. Despite limited action, he still finished with 21 points after hitting 8-12 field-goal attempts, including 5-8 from three-point distance. George also had a game-high +25 net rating.

The Clippers are still hoping Paul George can play as he told team owner Steve Ballmer this after a quick meeting:

“I’m okay, I’m okay. A little soreness, but it’s okay. I’m okay.”

After a poor 2-4 start to their NBA season, the LA Clippers have gone 8-3 in their last 11 games, mainly to Paul George. He has been the Clippers’ best player and has carried the team with little to no contribution from oft-injured superstar Kawhi Leonard.

Leonard is already back in the lineup but doesn’t look in game shape yet. The Clippers will miss a huge chunk of everything they run if George is sidelined.

Meanwhile, former NBA All-Star Zion Williamson could return for the New Orleans Pelicans after missing the last three games due to a right foot contusion. The injury was reportedly not serious, but the Pelicans wanted to err on the side of caution as Williamson sat out last season after breaking his foot.

The Pelicans are 2-1 over the last three games but could certainly make use of Williamson against the defending NBA champs Golden State Warriors. “Zanos” is averaging 23.5 points, leading the team, on 56.6% shooting.

Having their best scorer versus the Warriors’ struggling defense should greatly improve the Pelicans’ chance of winning their game tonight.

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Paolo Banchero: Left ankle sprain; Injured since November 7, 2008

Paolo Banchero continues to be sidelined with left ankle sprain.

Paolo Banchero, the 2022 NBA Draft’s top pick, has missed the Orlando Magic’s last six games. He last saw action on November 7 against the Houston Rockets. His status remains questionable for tonight’s match on the road versus the Indiana Pacers.

The Magic, however, have been remarkably steady without Banchero, who leads the team in scoring with 23.5 points in 11 games. They hold an even 3-3 card minus the former Duke standout. Bol Bol, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have stepped up in Banchero’s absence.

Before spraining his left ankle against the Rockets, Banchero posted just the first back-to-back 30-point games of his NBA career.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley informed the media after Saturday’s loss to the Pacers that Paolo Banchero is progressing as expected. He could be back on Friday when the Orlando Magic take on the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Damian Lillard: Grade 1 calf strain; Injured since November 19, 2022

Damian Lillard has Grade 1 calf strain.

Six-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 calf strain. Instead of the initial expectation that he will miss just one or two games, he’s now set to miss significantly more games.

The Portland Trail Blazers will re-evaluate Lillard in one to two weeks. Given the update, the 2012-13 NBA Rookie of the Year winner could be sidelined until the early part of December.

The Blazers have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this year after racing to a 4-0 start. They’ve gone 6-6 after a hot start and could struggle further as Damian Lillard rehabs his injured calf.

Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons and Josh Hart are expected to carry more of the scoring load without the Blazers’ franchise player.