NBA Injury Report Week 7 (2nd Dec): Ja Morant faces a spell on the sidelines, Kyrie Irving closing in on his return and more

The 2019-20 NBA season has now entered December, and as the schedule continues to pick up, plenty of players are being sidelined with injuries. The likes of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson remain out with long-term injuries, while several notable names have been ruled out over the past week after picking up knocks. So, as we enter Week 7 of the 2019-20 season, here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know.

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#1 Kyrie Irving - Shoulder - Could Return This Week

Kyrie Irving has been absent during Brooklyn's resurgence over the past two weeks

Kyrie Irving has sat out of Brooklyn's past nine games due to a right shoulder injury, although the 27-year-old appears to be closing in on a return. Irving started on-court work over the weekend, and while he has yet to be cleared for contact work, the former Celtics man could return at some point this week.

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#2 Ja Morant - Back - Week-to-Week

Ja Morant has been excellent during the opening month of the season

Ja Morant has been the most impressive rookie of the season so far, although the dynamic point guard is set for a spell on the sidelines after aggravating his back in Friday's game against the Jazz. Morant didn't travel with the Grizzlies for Sunday's game in Minnesota, and Memphis is currently listing Morant's condition as week-to-week.

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#3 Avery Bradley - Leg - Could Return Next Week

Avery Bradley has missed the Lakers' past nine games

After missing the past two weeks due to a hairline fracture in his right leg, Avery Bradley has finally been cleared to begin 'basketball progression'. However, the 29-year-old will still sit out the Lakers' next three games before being making a potential return to the court next week.

#4 Al-Farouq Aminu - Knee - Out Indefinitely

Al-Farouq Aminu has played 18 times for the Magic this season

Al-Farouq Aminu has struggled to make much of an impact with the Magic this season, and the 29-year-old's start to life in Orlando has suffered another setback after tearing his meniscus. Al-Farouq Aminu will undergo further evaluation to determine how long he is out for, although it is believed that the former Portland man is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

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#5 C.J. Miles - Wrist - Could Miss Rest Of The Season

C.J. Miles is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines

C.J. Miles missed the first five games of the season with a foot injury, and the veteran is set for another spell on the sidelines after injuring his left wrist. Miles will meet with a specialist on Monday and the Washington Post is reporting that the Washington man will miss the rest of the season if he requires surgery.

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#6 D'Angelo Russell - Thumb - Could Return This Week

D'Angelo Russell has played just 10 times so far this season

D'Angelo Russell has not played since Nov. 15 due to a thumb injury, and the point guard was once again missing for the Warriors against the Magic last night. However, while Russell will also miss Monday's game against the Hawks, Logan Murdock is reporting that the Warriors believe Russell could return at some point this week.

#7 Marcus Smart - Abdomen - Will Be Assessed on Monday

Marcus Smart left the court in the third quarter of Boston's win over the Knicks

Marcus Smart is among the contenders to be named Defensive Player of the Year, although the 25-year-old left the court during Boston's win over the Knicks on Sunday after taking a blow to the abdomen. Smart needed assistance as he left the court, and while the injury isn't expected to be too serious, ESPN is reporting that the Celtics will evaluate the injury on Monday to determine if Smart will miss any time.

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#8 Kyle Lowry - Thumb - Could Return On Tuesday

Kyle Lowry has only played eight times so far this season due to a fractured thumb

While Serge Ibaka made his return for the Raptors last night, Kyle Lowry missed his 11th consecutive game due to a fractured left thumb. However, Lowry is close to a return, and the 33-year-old is expected to return on Tuesday against the Miami Heat if he is able to come through a fitness test.

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#9 Kevon Looney - Knee - Expected To Return On Monday

Kevon Looney has played just 10 minutes of basketball so far this season

Kevon Looney has not played since the opening night of the season due to a nerve condition. However, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr believes that the 23-year-old could return on Monday night against the Hawks, although Kerr added that Looney's minutes will be limited.