NBA: Weekly Injury Report

Stephen Curry - Sprained Right Ankle (12/4): Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry suffered a sprained ankle in the last minutes of a win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Curry was looking to get what seemed like an easy steal but rolled his ankle during the process. Steph left the game on crutches but x-rays came back negative, and an MRI the following day revealed that there was no structural damage to the already surgically repaired ankle. The injury was definitely awkward since Curry's ankle bone nearly made contact with the floor. The only positive for someone of Curry's acumen to be out for an extended amount of time is that it forces Golden State to actually show up against their opponents. Many believe the Warriors are just hitting a switch because they can, with Curry out, hitting a switch won’t be as easy. The superstar is expected to miss two weeks and will be reevaluated thereafter.

John Collins - Sprained Left Shoulder AC Joint Left (11/30): Atlanta Hawks rookie power forward John Collins suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics. Collins has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise forgetful season for the Hawks. The 19th overall pick is averaging 11.5 points on 59 percent from the field and 7.1 rebounds. Collins uses his athleticism as well anyone else, which has allowed him to lead all rookies in field goal percentage and place third in rebounding. The Hawks are 6-19 on the season and show no signs of getting better simply because they've been dealing with injuries so often. Collins is expected to miss two to three weeks with the shoulder injury.

Nerlens Noel - Left Thumb Injury (12/1): The Dallas Mavericks estranged center Nerlens Noel, is to undergo surgery for his left thumb. Noel is expected to miss several weeks according to head coach Rick Carlisle. Without an exact cause of injury, since Noel has fallen of the slumping Mavericks rotation, it is really unclear if the former Kentucky standout is actually injured. There hasn't been any mention of soreness, Noel hasn't missed any practices prior to the reveal, nor has he shown any visible signs to warrant surgery. However, it is very clear that Noel isn't a fit in Dallas after turning down a four-year, $70 million contract this past offseason looking for a max deal. Whether the injury is true or not the Mavericks aren't very good and could use Noel’s services going 7-19 on the season.

Devin Booker – Strained Left Adductor (12/5): Phoenix Suns prized shooting guard Devin Booker was carried off the court after suffering a late groin injury during a 126-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors. According to reports, Booker is expected to miss two-to-three weeks but has been spotted walking just a few days after the injury. Booker is undoubtedly the Suns best player and has emerged as one of the best shooting guards in the league. At only 21-years-old, the Phoenix guard is the fourth youngest player to reach 3,000 points trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony. Phoenix can't afford to be without Booker for too long with a losing record of 9-19.

Kawhi Leonard - Quadriceps Injury Update (12/8): The San Antonio Spurs will finally see their star Kawhi Leonard back in uniform sooner rather than later. After missing the start of the 2017-18 season, reports highly suggest that Leonard is nearing a return as early as Tuesday for an upcoming road trip starting with the Dallas Mavericks. The NBA All-Star forward has missed the entire preseason as well the first 27 games of the regular season with quadriceps tendinopathy, which is a weakening of the tendon. The Spurs have remained competitive without their star going a solid 19-8 on the season, but will undoubtedly be much better when Leonard returns. Kawhi hasn't played since he sprained his ankle during Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Derrick Rose - Ankle Injury Update (12/8): Cleveland Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose has announced his return to basketball after taking some time off to contemplate his future as a basketball player. The former 2011 MVP left the Cavs on November 22 due to the continuous injuries he's faced throughout his career. Apparently the injuries had mentally incapacitated him to the point that he wasn't sure if he still wanted to play professionally. The day after Rose joined his team for practice he also announced that he has a bone spur in his left ankle. Although Rose is indeed rehabbing the ankle, surgery isn't out of the equation, which could see the beleaguered guard out for an even longer amount of time. The 29-year-old is averaging 14.7 points on 47 percent shooting but has only played in seven of the 27 total games for Cleveland. Rose is listed as day-to-day with no exact time frame for his return.

Markelle Fultz - Shoulder Injury Update (12/9): Philadelphia 76ers rookie Markelle Fultz has been reevaluated following a shoulder strain which sidelined him for a few weeks. The team announced Saturday that Fultz is no longer experiencing pain but the shoulder now needs to be strengthened in order for Markelle to return to the court. There is still no timetable for the return of the first overall pick. However, Fultz will be reevaluated again three weeks from now.

Robert Covington - Lower Back Contusion (12/9): Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington suffered a lower back injury after crashing into the stands attempting to save a possession in the last minute of a road loss to the Cavaliers. The Sixers were will within reach only trailing by three up until that point, but the Cavs pulled ahead, winning 105-98. Quicken Loans Arena has a four to five inch drop from the court to the area where he landed. Covington hit his back on a metal object and was helped off the court with aid from his teammates. Hard nosed defense, hustle, and the willingness to sacrifice his body is how the undrafted forward earned his recent contract worth $62 million over four years. Covington is supposed to travel with the team to New Orleans to play the Pelicans Sunday night but it's uncertain if he'll play. Actually, his status going forward is also uncertain since the staff is listing Covington as day-to-day. If the tenacious forward is out for an extended time it will be hard to replace his defense, as well as his offense. Covington has transformed into an elite three-point marksmen hitting 42 percent from deep. He's also averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the season.

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