NBA: Weekly Injury Report

JaMychal Green - High Ankle Sprain and Bone Bruise (10/18): Memphis Grizzlies power forward JaMychal Green was sidelined after suffering an ankle injury with only four minutes to play in the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. Green was clearly in a lot of pain following the injury and had to be helped off the court. After an MRI on 10/19 it was concluded that Green suffered a high ankle sprain and bone bruise. At the time of the injury, Memphis would be without their starting power for three to four weeks but as of 10/31, Green has returned to light court work and is expected to return to action in about two weeks. In late September, Green signed a two-year extension with Memphis worth $17 million after posting a career year during the 2016-2017 season.

Milos Teodosic - Left Plantar Fascia Injury (10/21): Los Angeles Clippers guard Milos Teodosic went down with a left foot injury to his plantar fascia. The Clippers reported that he'd be out indefinitely in which he suffered in the second quarter of a Clippers' win against the Phoenix Suns. The 30-year-old passing phenom of the Serbian national team was expected to try to fill in the void after Chris Paul's departure to the Houston Rockets. After finally making his way to the NBA, Teodosic averaged 5.5 points and 4.5 assists logging 16 minutes of playing time. Veteran guard Austin Rivers has started in Teodosic’s place. Brad Turner of the LA Times reports that Teodosic has begun exercising on a stationary bike. Although the elite passer is still out indefinitely the timetable for an injury to the plantar fascia is between 2-3 months. Exercising so soon is definitely a positive sign for Milos’ eventual return.

Eric Bledsoe - Disciplinary Action (10/23): The Phoenix Suns will be without starting guard Eric Bledsoe indefinitely after “requesting” a trade via Twitter stating “I don't want to be here,” a day earlier. Numerous reports surfaced that Bledsoe was actually referring to a hair salon but Suns GM Ryan McDonough didn't believe Bledsoe's explanation and sent the guard home. McDonough announced that Bledsoe wouldn't be with the team going forward and that they are looking for a trade. The New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks have all inquired about Bledsoe but Phoenix is unwilling to part ways until the best package is available. Bledsoe's tweet came just a day after former Suns head coach Eric Watson was fired. According to reports, Bledsoe and Watson were said to be really close. Bledsoe actually met with management during the off-season requesting a trade due to team performance but nothing ever formalized.

Juan Hernangomez - Mononucleosis (10/23): Denver Nuggets second-year forward was diagnosed with mononucleosis after receiving blood work. The illness will restrict Hernangomez from traveling with the team on their four game road trip. Although there isn't a timetable for his return Juan is expected to miss between four-to-six weeks. Hernangomez only logged 13 minutes in two games before being sidelined.

Meyers Leonard - Right Ankle Lateral Sprain (10/25): Looking to improve his skills right before practice proved to be in vain, Portland Trailblazers forward Meyers Leonard sprained his ankle during a workout session with rookies Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan. During a game of one-on-one after attempting a block, Leonard landed on the foot of Collins and immediately felt pain. After receiving an MRI the following day, Leonard was diagnosed with a left ankle sprain which will sideline him for at least four to six weeks according to Jason Quick of NBC Sports Northwest.

Although not an integral part of the Blazers rotation, Meyers was hoping to receive more playing time after an injury to forward Noah Vonleh. Unfortunately it will have to wait which will see Ed Davis pick up the slack at the forward spot.

Wade Baldwin - Right Thumb Ligament Tear (10/25): Portland Trailblazers guard Wade Baldwin successfully underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. Recovery will have Baldwin out for at least six weeks which should allow Baldwin to see a return around Christmas. After being waived by the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland signed Baldwin to a two-way contract which will allow him spend time in the G League and the NBA should Portland call him up.

Markelle Fultz – Strained Right Shoulder (10/25): Philadelphia 76s first round draft pick Markelle Fultz is out indefinitely after being officially shut down due to right shoulder soreness. The Sixers announced that Fultz will be reevaluated in three weeks. The front office finally stepped in after Fultz shooting mechanics were noticeably different from his one-and-done stint in college at Washington. Fultz’s agent, Raymond Brothers, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Fultz got fluid from his shoulder drained but eventually clarified his statement. Brothers revised to ESPN stating, “He had a cortisone shot on Oct. 5, which means fluid was put into his shoulder -- not taken out.” In limited action coming off the bench, Fultz averaged 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 18.9 minutes through four games. Fultz is only shooting 33 percent from the field and hasn't even attempted a three-point shot.

Ersan Ilyasova - Left Knee Bone Bruise (10/29): Atlanta Hawks announced Sunday that starting power forward Ersan Ilyasova will be be out at least one-to-two weeks after being diagnosed with a bone bruise. Ilyasova initially felt pain during a match against the Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 22nd. Ilyasova went on to miss the next two games and returned to action against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 27th. After the pain became significantly worse an MRI was conducted the following day with the diagnosis.

Greg Monroe - Left Calf Strain (10/29): Milwaukee Bucks will be without center Greg Monroe for two weeks after suffering an injury to his left calf, according to head coach Jason Kidd. "He's had a calf problem and I think he might have just hurt it again in that Boston game," head coach Kidd stated. Monroe has seen his role drastically decrease from his days with Detroit but continues to be a solid contributor off the bench. Fortunately for the Bucks, they have more than a handful of centers capable of picking up the slack including John Henson and Thon Maker.

Iman Shumpert - Right Knee Soreness (10/31): Cleveland Cavaliers announced Tuesday, guard Iman Shumpert will be out five to seven days while getting treatment for right knee soreness. Shumpert has said to be experiencing increased pain but an MRI revealed no structural damage. Iman Shumpert is one of Cleveland's better defenders and they will need his services if they look to compete for a fourth straight to the NBA Finals.

Joe Johnson - Right Wrist Strain (10/31): Utah Jazz will be without their 17-year veteran forward Joe Johnson for at least two weeks after suffering an injury to his shooting arm. Johnson suffered the injury during a 104-89 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. An MRI showed tendon instability in his right wrist and Johnson will be reevaluated in two weeks. Primarily playing shooting guard his entire career, Utah has used “Iso Joe” as a small forward and even saw minutes at the four spot when running small ball lineups. Johnson was integral in defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2017 playoffs by scoring timely baskets and bringing veteran savvy. To start the season, Johnson has been in a slump of sorts, only scoring 6.3 points on 39 percent from the field and 11 percent from deep. It's unclear if Johnson had been affected by the injury prior to Monday or if he's just trying to find his groove early on. Either way, Joe's absence will be felt as the Jazz will surely look to use more minutes on starter Derrick Favors and newcomer Jonas Jerebko.

Photo Credit: NBA & NBC Sports.