The 2019-20 NBA season only got underway last week, although there are already several notable figures around the league missing through injuries. Superstars such as Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant are out for the long-term, although there are also plenty of players with smaller injuries that are battling for fitness.
So, as we head into Week 2 of the NBA season, here we will take a look at the latest injury updates you need to know.
#1 Zion Williamson: Knee - Out for 6-8 weeks
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Zion Williamson entered the NBA as one of the most talked-about teenagers in history, although the Duke product injured his knee in the week building up to the new campaign. Zion was initially ruled out for around a month, although it was announced last week that the 19-year-old will miss 6-8 weeks after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to treat a torn meniscus.
#2 Rajon Rondo: Right calf - Day-to-day
Rajon Rondo has missed the Los Angeles Lakers' first three contests of the season, and Dave McMenamin of ESPN is reporting that the point guard underwent an MRI on Saturday which confirmed a mild strain of his right calf. Nevertheless, the injury is not serious, and the 33-year-old should make his season debut later this week.
#3 DeMarcus Cousins: Torn ACL - Could return for playoffs
Just weeks after joining the Lakers, DeMarcus Cousins suffered a torn ACL. Cousins picked up the injury during an offseason workout in Las Vegas, and the 29-year-old was initially expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season. Nevertheless, head coach Frank Vogel told the media last night that Cousins could still return at some point this season although his return could be dependant on the Lakers making a deep run in the playoffs.
#4 Blake Griffin: Knee/Hamstring - Will miss at least the first week of November
The Pistons had been hopeful of getting Blake Griffin back on the court before the end of October, although Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the All-Star will be out for at least the first week of November. Griffin is currently battling a left hamstring problem and posterior knee soreness.em
#5 Andre Roberson: Knee - Training but no return date set
Andre Roberson has not played since rupturing his left patellar tendon way back in January of 2018. The 27-year-old's recovery has been hit by a series of setbacks, although Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman is reporting that Roberson is taking part in non-contact practice. Nevertheless, the OKC Thunder have maintained that Roberson won't be rushed back, and there remains no estimation on when the defensive stopper will return.
#6 Marvin Bagley III: Fractured right thumb - Out for 4-6 weeks
The Sacramento Kings have endured a woeful start to the season and their troubles look set to continue after Marvin Bagley III was ruled out for between 4 and 6 weeks. Bagley fractured his right thumb during Sacramento's opening night loss to the Phoenix Suns - and is now set to be out until December.
#7 Kyle Kuzma: Ankle - Returned to full contact practice
Kyle Kuzma missed the entire preseason after suffering an ankle injury with Team USA, although the Orange County Register is reporting that the 24-year-old has finally returned to full-contact practice. Kuzma still has no timeline for his return, although the forward should return at some point in November if he doesn't suffer a further setback.
#8 Zach Collins: Shoulder - Will undergo MRI scan on Monday
Zach Collins suffered a shoulder injury late in the fourth quarter of Portland's win over the Dallas Mavericks. The 21-year-old headed straight to the locker room and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the forward will undergo an MRI scan later today.
#9 Kevon Looney: Hamstring - Will miss Monday's game against the Pelicans
Kevon Looney missed the entire preseason with a strain to his right hamstring, although the Warriors center returned for his team's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. Nevertheless, Looney left the game early after suffering tightness in his hamstring, and in addition to missing Sunday's defeat to the Thunder, he will also sit out of Golden State's clash against the Pelicans.
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