Injuries & Player Updates

Pelicans Waive Jalen McDaniels and Garrison Brooks

Jalen McDaniels, Garrison Brooks (New Orleans Pelicans)
October 2025

The Pelicans cut two players, Jalen McDaniels and Garrison Brooks, to reduce their roster to 19. Both were on Exhibit 10 deals and could now join G League affiliate Birmingham Squadron.
McDaniels, 27, has bounced between several NBA and G League teams after early promise in Charlotte and Philadelphia. Brooks, 26, last played in the G League with the Westchester Knicks. Their waivers clear space for New Orleans’ regular-season roster while keeping them in the system if they take up G League options.

Jalen Johnson Eyes Breakout Year With Hawks

Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
October 2025

Returning from shoulder surgery, Johnson is fully fit and eager to build on his breakout form before injury. He averaged career highs last year and now looks ready to step up as Atlanta’s potential second All-Star behind Trae Young.
After training with LeBron James, Johnson sharpened his shooting and conditioning while embracing a bigger defensive role. Coach Quin Snyder highlighted his playmaking and willingness to adapt to new teammates, believing Johnson could be a central figure in Atlanta’s reshaped roster.

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Targets Shock March Return After Achilles Tear

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
October 2025

After tearing his Achilles against the Knicks in May, Jayson Tatum was initially expected to miss nearly all of 2025-26. However, reports now suggest the 27-year-old could return in March, giving Boston a playoff boost if rehab continues to progress.
Tatum has resumed light on-court activity just four months after surgery, training six days a week. While he insists he won’t rush, advances in recovery and surgery have fueled optimism. Before injury, he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.

Anthony Davis Shrugs Off Weight Concerns Ahead of Mavericks Season

Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks)
October 2025

Anthony Davis addressed fan speculation about his weight entering training camp, explaining he deliberately comes in heavier knowing he loses 10–12 pounds during preseason. Despite online chatter, he insisted he feels “great” physically and ready after a difficult, injury-hit 2024-25 campaign.
Davis revealed he will wear protective goggles following offseason eye surgery but stressed he has no playing restrictions. With Kyrie Irving sidelined by an ACL tear, Dallas will lean on Davis’ health and conditioning as they prepare for their Oct. 22 opener against San Antonio.

Mavericks’ Daniel Gafford Ruled Out Two to Three Weeks With Ankle Injury

Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks)
October 2025

Mavericks center Daniel Gafford suffered a sprained ankle on the first day of training camp and will miss two to three weeks. The setback leaves Dallas short-handed in preseason, with the 26-year-old now racing to return before the Oct. 22 season opener.
Coach Jason Kidd confirmed the injury following Wednesday’s practice, noting Gafford’s recent extension and importance to the roster. Coming off a season averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, his absence adds pressure on Dallas’ already thin frontcourt depth early on.

Lakers Hit by Maxi Kleber Quad Injury Concern

Maxi Kleber (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

Maxi Kleber suffered a quad injury in practice and will undergo an MRI to assess the severity. The 33-year-old big man, who battled foot and hamstring issues last year, was hoping to use preseason to regain fitness after his late playoff return.
JJ Redick confirmed the setback, stressing hope it isn’t serious. Kleber previously missed most of last season, only debuting in the Lakers’ first-round loss to Minnesota. His injury adds to LeBron James’ ongoing nerve irritation, creating early depth concerns for the frontcourt.

Giannis Misses Bucks Media Day With COVID-19

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
September 2025

Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Milwaukee Bucks’ media day after contracting COVID-19. Speaking remotely from Greece, the two-time MVP admitted frustration at missing the team launch but stressed the importance of prioritising health and not risking teammates as the season approaches. Antetokounmpo averaged 27.3 points at EuroBasket before testing positive. His absence comes amid speculation over his Bucks future, with Damian Lillard waived after injury and title ambitions fading. GM Jon Horst confirmed Giannis will rejoin the squad once cleared by negative tests.

Rockets Rocked as VanVleet ACL Injury Clouds Season

Houston Rockets
September 2025

Houston’s season took a hit after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in offseason training, leaving the guard sidelined long term. Rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to step into the starting lineup as the Rockets recalibrate ambitions in a crowded Western Conference. Houston had looked like contenders after adding Kevin Durant and re-signing key pieces, but VanVleet’s absence weakens their backcourt stability. While Sengun, Thompson and Durant provide star power, Sheppard’s inexperience adds uncertainty to a team eyeing another deep playoff run.

Knicks Star Josh Hart Faces Injury Setback Ahead of Season

Josh Hart (New York Knicks)
September 2025

Josh Hart revealed he reaggravated a right finger injury ahead of the new NBA season, requiring him to play with a splint. The setback raises questions about his shooting efficiency as the Knicks chase their first title since 1973. Hart struggled with similar issues in last season’s playoffs, where his shooting dipped significantly. While he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in 77 healthy games last year, the injury could impact his perimeter game as Mike Brown reshapes the Knicks’ rotation.

76ers Rookie McCain Suffers New Injury Setback

Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers)
September 2025

Rookie guard Jared McCain has suffered a UCL tear in his thumb, casting doubt on his availability for the new season after last year’s meniscus injury. His absence could open minutes for VJ Edgecombe and heighten urgency in Quentin Grimes’ contract talks. McCain averaged 15.3 points last year before injury cut his campaign short. With Embiid and George also rehabbing knee surgeries, Philadelphia’s depth faces early strain. Media day will shed light on timelines, but the Sixers’ guard rotation may require reshuffling.

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