This week’s NBA updates include injury updates on star players like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets, both, are decimated by injuries currently so getting these guys back, respectively, would be a big boost to their rosters.
NBA League Updates
Gordon Hayward Injury Update
The Boston Celtics have not had a full complement of players since opening day. The Celtics have been without starting forward Gordon Hayward since November 10. There is currently no timetable for Hayward’s return. However, the Celtics are expected to receive some answers on Monday. Hayward is slated to meet with his doctor tomorrow to determine what are the next steps in his recovery, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston.
Gordon Hayward will have another meeting on Monday via FaceTime with his doctor to discuss the healing process on his surgically repaired left hand to see what's the next step in his recovery process, according to #Celtics head coach Brad Stevens.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) November 30, 2019
The 29-year-old’s injury was unfortunate as he appeared to be finally feeling comfortable in a Green and White uniform. Hayward produced two double-doubles, which matched his last year total, and topped the 20-point mark four times in eight games. Hayward ranked in the top-three on the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists before getting injured.
Boston (14-5) is 7-4 without Hayward in the lineup. The Celtics won for the third time in four games on Sunday as they defeated the Knicks 113-104. Jayson Tatum (30), Jaylen Brown (28), and Kemba Walker (16) combined to score 74 of the C’s points against the Knicks.
Marcus Smart Injured
Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker are the main reason that the Celtics have not collapsed without Hayward. Smart has upped his offensive production by over three points while Wanamaker has increased his by six during this stretch. Smart has scored in double figures in nine of the last 11 games. Meanwhile, Wannamaker has accomplished the feat eight times during this span.
Smart went scoreless on Sunday as he missed all six of his shots, including three from beyond the arc. He also grabbed three rebounds and committed two turnovers in 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Wanamaker tallied 13 points to go along with a season-high eight rebounds and three dimes. The 30-year-old has shot the ball well this season, particularly in the past three games, where he has scored 35 points on 12 of 19 shooting (63.1 percent).
Smart was ruled out of the game against the New York Knicks in the third quarter after taking a “direct blow to the abdomen” in attempting to take a charge against Knicks’ forward Kevin Knox. Smart writhed in pain following the blow and stayed down for a while. He then had to be helped to the locker room. Smart will be evaluated probably on Monday.
Kyrie Irving Remains Out
Kyrie Irving (shoulder) remains out for the foreseeable future. Irving missed his ninth straight contest on Sunday. But at least he has started to do some on-court exercises, coach Kenny Atkinson told Colin Atkinson of SNY.
“First thing about Kyrie, he started on-court work, which is a real positive sign for us,” Atkinson said. “He will be out for Miami. And then we’ll see how it progresses. The fact that he started the on-court work is good news for us. Out for Miami, and then we’ll see going forward.”
The Brooklyn Nets fell to 6-3 without Irving with their 109-106 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday. Irving has played well for the Nets, producing career-highs with 28.8 points as well as 7.2 assists in his 11 appearances. ESPN’s Malika Andrews added that the 27-year-old point guard isn’t cleared for contact.
The Nets are not only without Irving as Kevin Durant (Achilles), Caris LeVert (thumb), as well as Wilson Chandler (suspension), are also sidelined. Brooklyn has been able to remain successful as a result of the remaining player’s work ethic and togetherness. The Nets went 9-6 in November, marking the first time that they posted a winning record for the month.
Dion Waiters Returns from Suspension
Miami reinstated Dion Waiters from his 10-game suspension on Saturday. Waiters is with the Heat during their three-game road trip, but he did not dress against Brooklyn. It is unknown when he will do so as Miami is loaded on the wings. The 27-year-old has yet to play this season and has only been active twice.
In other news, coach Erik Spoelstra said that the 2019 second-round draft pick KZ Okpala (strained Achilles Tendon) is close to returning and will likely be sent to Sioux Falls of the G-League.
Al-Farouq Aminu Sidelined Indefinitely
Al-Farouq Aminu sat out the Orlando Magic’s 100-96 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Aminu has a torn meniscus in his right knee and is out indefinitely. The 29-year-old believes that he sustained the injury on Friday versus the Toronto Raptors. Aminu joins Nikola Vucevic and Michael Carter-Williams on the shelf.
Mo Bamba and Wesley Iwundu could see increased playing time with Aminu out. The Magic could also go out and sign someone as they have an open roster spot.
Tyus Jones to See More Time
Tyrus Jones made his second start of the season in the Memphis Grizzlies’ 115-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jones, who replaced the injured Ja Morant, turned in his best game in almost a month as he compiled 12 points along with seven assists and two turnovers. It is his fourth double-figure scoring effort of the campaign. The Grizzlies are going to take their time with Morant (back spasms) as he is considered to be week-to-week, per Yahoo’s Chris Haynes.
Rookie Marko Guduric and De’Anthony Melton are also expected to see increased playing time. Melton was sensational against the Timberwolves despite shooting just 2-for-10 from the field. The 21-year-old produced nine points, eight assists, seven rebounds along with one block and two steals in 21 minutes. It was his most extensive action of the campaign.
In other news, Jonas Valanciunas missed the win over Minnesota due to illness and is considered day-to-day. Kyle Anderson (heel) also sat out Sunday’s game while Brandon Clarke (left hip soreness) started the game but did not play in the second half.
Minnesota got the return of Shabazz Napier after being on the shelf for 12 games with a right hamstring injury. Napier scored four points in nine minutes off the bench against the Grizzlies. However, Jake Layman (toe) missed his fifth straight game.
G-League Call-Ups
Los Angeles Clippers Call Up First Round Pick
Los Angeles Clippers sent rookie Derrick Walton Jr. down to Agua Caliente on Sunday and then recalled him along with Mfiondu Kabengele from the G-League later in the day. Both players got some run in the Clips 150-125 blowout win over the Wizards. Walton contributed two points and one assist in six minutes of action while Kabengele went scoreless in five minutes. It was Kabengele’s first action with the big league club since tallying 10 points versus the Hawks on Nov. 26.
Detroit Pistons Call Up Sekou Doumbouya
Sekou Doumbouya appeared in his second game for the Detroit Pistons after being recalled from Grand Rapids on Sunday. Doumbouya tallied four points in three minutes in the Pistons 132-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Naz Reid Still Looking for Game Action
Naz Reid suited up for the Timberwolves on Sunday, but he did not get into the game. The undrafted rookie has yet to appear in an NBA game. Reid averaged 19.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.1 blocks in nine games for the Iowa Wolves.
Ty Jerome Finally Healthy
First-round draft pick Ty Jerome was recalled by the Phoenix Suns after pouring in 18 points in 19 minutes on Saturday for the Northern Arizona Suns. It was the second rehab stint for Jerome, who is recovering from a sprained ankle that he suffered on October 21.
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