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Notable NBA Injury Returns To Watch For In Western Conference

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For many players, the All-Star break comes at an opportune time. These players are dealing with aches and pains from the season, and a little rest can help them return feeling rejuvenated. Other players have missed time though due to an ailment, and the break can help them further heal. Here are some notable NBA injury returns to watch for in the Western Conference once regular season action returns. These are players that are in the middle of a playoff race.

Notable NBA Injury Returns To Watch For In Western Conference

Nuggets – Russell Westbrook

At the beginning of the season, Russell Westbrook got off to a rough start and many wondered if he was officially washed. Those thoughts proved to be premature as the 36-year-old point guard excelled after entering the Nuggets starting lineup. Unfortunately, the 2016-17 MVP has missed the last seven outings with a left hamstring strain. Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette reported that head coach Michael Malone stated that Westbrook could return right after the All-Star break.

Rockets – Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet

The third overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Jabari Smith Jr. hasn’t played since January 1. He has been out with a fractured hand, but as per Chris Haynes, he is aiming for a February 21 return. A starter in all 33 of his appearances, it will be interesting if he returns in that fashion being how well Tari Eason has done in that role in his absence.

Turning 31 years old on February 25, Fred VanVleet has been on the shelf for the last seven contests due to a right ankle strain. An All-Star with the Raptors in 2021-22, the 6-foot point guard is hopeful to be back when regular season action returns for Houston. The team is also reportedly interested in extending him on a multi-year deal (has a team option for next season).

Timberwolves – Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo

Exiting a Knicks team where he thrived with three All-Star nods, Julius Randle’s numbers have dipped in his first year with Minnesota. The 30-year-old has been sidelined for eight straight outings with a right adductor strain. On February 5, it was announced that he would be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Another player switching from New York to Minnesota, Donte DiVincenzo was slowly regaining form after a disappointing start. He hasn’t played since January 15 though. A left great toe sprain has kept the 28-year-old out of action. At the time of injury, DiVincenzo was said to be re-evaluated in three weeks which means an update should be coming shortly.

Mavericks – Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II

Injuries galore for Dallas’ big men. It took just one game after the shocking Luka Doncic trade for Anthony Davis to get hurt. Turning 32 on March 11, he will miss the All-Star Game with a left adductor strain. Davis got injured on February 8, and according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, he could miss up to a month.

Even more recently injured is Daniel Gafford, who sprained his right MCL on February 10. The initial timeline has him missing at least six weeks. That would keep the 26-year-old on the sidelines until late March.

An All-Rookie Second Team member last season, Dereck Lively II hasn’t appeared in a game since January 14. He fractured his right ankle that day and had started each of his last 25 outings prior to getting hurt. It was expected that he would miss 2-3 months, and Lively II has already missed one.

Warriors – Jonathan Kuminga

Nobody seems to agree on what the ceiling of Jonathan Kuminga is. The 22-year-old has been out since January 4 though and missed 21 straight games with a right ankle sprain. He is expected to take part in team practices during the All-Star break and could return as regular season play is restarted.

Photo credit: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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