NBA Injury Report Week 21: Lonzo Ball update, Kevin Durant ankle injury and more

The 2018/19 NBA regular season is quickly nearing the end. Teams around the league only have around 15 games remaining to make a final push for the playoffs and over the past two weeks, teams have been tasked with playing five times in seven days.

Due to the relentless schedule that has resumed following the All-Star Break, the prospect of injuries has increased, and a number of contenders are currently having to cope without their star players. So, as we enter Week 21 of the NBA season, here are the latest injury updates regarding the league's top stars.

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#4. Brandon Ingram - Right Shoulder - Out for season

The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled in Ingram's absence

After the NBA resumed following the All-Star break, Brandom Ingram was playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 27.8 points and 57 percent shooting through six games. However, Ingram has missed the last three games with a shoulder issue, and the Lakers have since stated that Ingram is likely to miss the rest of the season:

Lakers forward Brandon Ingram, who has missed games due to a sore right shoulder, underwent further testing by the team’s medical staff yesterday which revealed a Deep Venous Thrombosis in his arm. Ingram is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

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#3. Jaren Jackson Jr. - Quad Injury - Likely out for the season

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been out since February

Jaren Jackson Jr. was selected as the 4th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018's NBA draft, and the teenager has been among this seasons breakout stars. Nevertheless, a quad injury has ruled him out since February 13, and despite his determination to return, Jackson has revealed to the Daily Memphian that his season is probably over:

I’m doing rehab, whatever it takes. With something like this, it’s got to heal. Even if you feel good, if you come back too early something like that won’t heal right

#2. Lonzo Ball - Bone Bruise (Sprained Left Ankle) - Unknown

Lonzo Ball missed the whole of February through injury

Lonzo Ball suffered an ankle sprain during the Los Angeles Lakers’ January 19 game against the Houston Rockets. Ball was initially expected to miss a maximum of 6 weeks, however, this time frame has now passed, and Ball still appears to be a long way off from returning to the court.

Due to the Lakers having virtually no chance of reaching the playoffs, reports last week suggested that Ball would be shut down for the remainder of the season, however, Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell is suggesting Ball could still return:

From Lonzo Ball’s re-evaluation by the team medical staff: he continues to make good progress in recovery from the bone bruise related to his sprained ankle, and has been cleared for non-contact basketball activities. He’ll be re-evaluated in 2 weeks.

#1. Kevin Durant - Ankle Injury - Should return later this week

Kevin Durant suffered an ankle injury during the Golden State Warriors' loss to the Phoenix Suns

During the Golden State Warriors surprise loss to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Kevin Durant suffered an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Durant went down after colliding with DeAndre Ayton while trying to make a pass, although the 30-year-old was able to stand by himself and leave for the locker room.

After missing the final six minutes of the defeat, Durant was diagnosed with a right ankle contusion, and Anthony Slater of The Athletic is reporting that Durant should be back soon:

Steve Kerr said the Kevin Durant ankle injury doesn't appear to be serious. Talked to him postgame. Sounds minor.

Golden State will next face the in-form Houston Rockets on Wednesday, and while this game could come too quickly for Durant, the 2014 MVP should return against his former team (Oklahoma City Thunder) on Saturday.