5 NBA Injury Storylines to Monitor This Week

Zion Williamson Reportedly Not Close to Return

After missing all of last season with a foot fracture, Zion Williamson has appeared in 29 games for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. The stout forward has been out since suffering a hamstring strain on Jan. 2 and reaggravated the hamstring while ramping up in mid-February.

Now, a recent report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed that Williamson is not close to returning. The Pelicans (31-34) sit in the 10 spot in the Western Conference with 17 games to play.

Kevin Durant Thriving After Return From MCL Sprain

The Phoenix Suns are undefeated in three games with Kevin Durant, who missed 20 games after suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee. 

Durant has averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 69% shooting over those last three games.

D’Angelo Russell Returning Friday for Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is targeting a return on Friday after missing the last six contests with a right ankle sprain.

Russell should play full minutes in his return and have no limitations, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Trailblazers Get Key Piece Back

Jusuf Nurkic has missed the last 14 games with a right calf strain but made his return in Wednesday’s contest against the Boston Celtics.

The ninth-year big man was averaging 13.8 points, 9.6 boards and 2.9 assists while shooting 52.4% from the field and 39% from 3-point range in 45 games before going down.

Sixth Man Remains Out for Clippers

Norman Powell suffered a left shoulder subluxation on March 2 and will be re-evaluated by the Los Angeles Clippers’ medical staff next week. The subluxation was the third of his career and he will likely miss three weeks before returning with a harness, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.

Powell, a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, is averaging 16.6 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field and 41% from 3-point range in 54 games. 

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