NBA Injury Report Week 8 (9th Dec): Gordon Hayward return imminent, Kyrie Irving update and more

We are now over a quarter of the way into the 2019-20 NBA season, and as we head towards 2020, a number of stars around the league are coping with injuries. Some are facing long term absences, while others are hoping to return by Christmas - and here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know heading into Week 8 of the season.

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#1 Gordon Hayward - Hand - Could return this week

Gordon Hayward has missed the past month with a hand injury

After making a resurgent start to the season, Gordon Hayward has been sidelined since November 9 due to a fractured left hand. Hayward was initially ruled out for six weeks, however, it was reported last week that the 29-year-old was well ahead of schedule, and Hayward told reporters last night that he could return for Boston's game against the Cavs on Monday.

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#2 Kyrie Irving - Shoulder - Could return next week

Kyrie Irving has missed the last month due to a shoulder injury

Kyrie Irving has not played since Nov. 14. due to a shoulder injury - a sequence that has resulted in the point guard missing the past 12 games for his new team. While Irving is unlikely to play this week, head coach Kenny Atkinson told reporters that the 27-year-old's individual on-court work is increasing and Irving could return to full practice later this week.

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#3 Zion Williamson - Knee - No return date set

Zion Williamson picked up the injury during preseason

Zion Williamson underwent surgery on his meniscus injury seven weeks ago, and it appears increasingly likely that the 19-year-old will be out for longer than the initial 8-week estimation. Nevertheless, ESPN's Andrew Lopez is reporting that Williamson has progressed enough to do some on-court work, but highlights that the Pelicans will be extremely careful with his return.

#4 Thomas Bryant - Foot - Will miss the next two weeks

Thomas Bryant has established himself as a starter for the first time this season

Thomas Bryant has established himself as a starter for the Washington Wizards this season, although the 22-year-old faces a spell on the sidelines after picking up a stress reaction in his foot. Bryant is believed to have picked up the injury against the LA Clippers on Dec. 1, and the Wizards have since announced that he will be out until at least Dec. 21.

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#5 Andre Roberson - Knee - Still no return date

Andre Roberson's last appearance came in January 2018

Andre Roberson has not played since rupturing his left patellar tendon back in early 2018, and while it was believed that the 27-year-old was closing in on a return ahead of the season, Roberson remains sidelined. In a rare update, a Thunder spokesman revealed that Roberson still has no set return date and the shooting guard will now continue his rehab away from the team.

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#6 Otto Porter Jr. - Foot - Out for next 10 days

Porter Jr. has played just nine times so far this season due to injury

Otto Porter Jr. has played just nine times for the Bulls this season due to a foot injury, and the 26-year-old was initially expected to return last week. However, the Bulls released a statement confirming that an MRI scan had revealed continued bone edema, and Porter Jr. will now miss the next 10 days before being re-evaluated.

#7 Rodney Hood - Torn Achilles - Out for the season

Rodney Hood has become the latest player to tear his Achilles

Rodney Hood suffered a serious-looking injury just minutes into Portland's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last week, and the Trail Blazers have since confirmed that the 27-year-old suffered a torn Achilles. While a return date has not been set, the seriousness of the injury will almost certainly keep Hood out for the remainder of the season, and he may not return until 2021.

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#8 Avery Bradley - Leg - Expected to return this week

Avery Bradley was a starter for the Lakers before his injury

Avery Bradley has missed close to a month due to a hairline fracture in his lower right leg. However, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Bradley was cleared for full-contact practices last week, and the 29-year-old could return on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic.

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#9 Ja Morant - Back - Expected to return this week

Ja Morant is in contention to be named Rookie-of-the-Year

Ja Morant has been the most impressive rookie in the league so far this season, although the 20-year-old has missed Memphis' past four games due to back spasms. Nevertheless, Morant returned to full practice over the weekend, and the young guard is listed as 'probable' to feature against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.

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#10 Isaiah Thomas - Calf - Out for at least another week

Isaiah Thomas has missed the Wizards' past three games with a calf injury

Isaiah Thomas has missed Washington's past three games due to a left calf strain, and the point guard has pushed the Wizards medical team to let him return to the court. However, The Athletic is reporting that Thomas will miss at least one more week with the injury, meaning he will miss upcoming games against the Hornets and Grizzlies.