NBA Injury Report Week 15 (27th Jan): Joel Embiid could return this week, Dwight Powell suffers season-ending injury and more

We are now more than halfway through the 2019-20 NBA season - and the race to qualify for the playoffs continues to intensify in both conferences. However, a number of teams are currently without key performers due to injuries, and here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know heading into Week 15 of the season.

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#1 James Harden - Thigh - Doubtful to play on Monday

James Harden is doubtful to play on Monday due to a thigh injury

James Harden missed Houston's defeat to the Nuggets on Sunday due to a thigh injury. Harden suffered the injury after colliding with Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns on Friday, and while the injury isn't believed to be serious, the shooting guard is doubtful to play in Monday’s game against Utah.

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#2 Lauri Markkanen - Hip - Out for 4-6 weeks

Lauri Markkanen faces a significant spell on the sidelines

When considering the expectations entering the season, Lauri Markkanen has endured a disappointing campaign so far, and the 22-year-old has suffered a further setback by picking up a stress reaction in his right hip. While Markkanen doesn't require surgery on the injury, the Bulls have confirmed that he will miss between 4 and 6 weeks as he makes his recovery.

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#3 Paul George - Hamstring - No return date set

Paul George has missed the Los Angeles Clippers' last nine games due to a hamstring injury

Paul George's initial hamstring injury was described as mild by Clippers management, although the 29-year-old has now missed eight straight games. George has also been ruled out of LA's clash against Orlando on Monday evening, and with no return date in sight, it appears that the forward's injury is more serious than first reported.

#4 Dwight Powell - Achilles - Out for the season

Dwight Powell is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines

Dwight Powell sustained a seriously looking non-contact injury during Dallas' game against the LA Clippers last week, and the Mavericks have since announced that the center suffered a ruptured right Achilles. Due to the seriousness of the injury, Powell's will miss the rest of the season, and it is possible that he may not play again until 2021.

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#5 Mason Plumlee - Foot - Out until at least next week

Mason Plumlee could miss up to a month due to a foot injury

Mason Plumlee has played a key role from Denver's bench this season, although the veteran suffered a setback last week when he was diagnosed with a right cuboid injury to his left foot. Mike Singer of the Denver Post is reporting that Plumlee will be re-evaluated in 2-4 weeks ahead of potentially making his return.

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#6 Rui Hachimura - Groin - Expected to return later this week

Rui Hachimura has missed the last five weeks due to a hamstring injury

Rui Hachimura has not played since Dec. 16 due to a groin injury. However, after missing more than a month, the 21-year-old returned to full practice over the weekend, and while he won't play against the Bucks on Tuesday, he is expected to return at some point later this week.

#7 Joel Embiid - Hand - Will be reassessed on Monday

Joel Embiid appears to be closing in on his return

Joel Embiid hasn't played since Jan. 6 after tearing a ligament in his left hand. Nevertheless, Embiid has recently returned to contact drills, and Serena Winters of NBC Sports Philly is reporting that the All-Star will be reassessed on Monday ahead of a possible return later this week.

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#8 Josh Richardson - Hamstring - Out for two weeks

Josh Richardson is expected to miss at least two weeks due to a hamstring injury

Josh Richardson injured his left hamstring during Philadelphia's loss to the Raptors last week. Richardson didn't return to the court after suffering the injury, and The Athletic's Shams Charania is reporting that the 26-year-old will be sidelined for at least two weeks.

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#9 Jimmy Butler - Ankle - Doubtful to play on Monday

Jimmy Butler is doubtful for Miami's clash against the Magic on Monday

Jimmy Butler suffered a sprained right ankle during Miami's loss to the Clippers on Friday. While the 30-year-old escaped a potentially serious injury, the Miami Herald is reporting that his status remains in question for Monday's game against the Magic.