Injuries & Player Updates

Giannis returns from calf strain as Bucks try to revive season

Giannis Antetokounmpo
December 2025

Antetokounmpo is back in action after missing eight games with a right calf strain suffered against Detroit. Milwaukee went 2-6 without him and sit 11th in the East at 12-19, but remain within touching distance of the playoff places. Having previously battled a left adductor issue and an earlier calf strain that ended his 2023-24 season, Giannis focused his rehab on getting fully healthy amid persistent trade speculation. He insists he is “locked in” on the Bucks, recognising outside noise but prioritising fitness and a push back up the Eastern Conference standings.

Jazz rookie Ace Bailey sidelined by hip strain in early exit vs Pistons

Ace Bailey
December 2025

Utah rookie Ace Bailey left in the first half against Detroit with a left hip strain and did not return, snapping a run of strong offensive form in which the No. 5 pick had averaged 10.7 points and reached double figures in four consecutive games for the Jazz. Bailey logged 11 scoreless minutes before departing, with Brice Sensabaugh starting the second half in his place. The Jazz will now assess the severity of the strain, weighing caution against their reliance on Bailey’s length and versatility, especially in late-game situations where he has often featured.

Mavericks’ Anthony Davis suffers groin spasms, ruled out vs Warriors

Anthony Davis
December 2025

Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis exited the Christmas matchup against the Golden State Warriors with groin spasms after pulling up while running in the second quarter, adding another setback in a season already interrupted by a significant left calf issue. Davis left with three points, three rebounds and two blocks in under 11 minutes before medical staff ruled him out for the remainder, with no firm return date yet as Dallas weigh short-term depth problems against the need to protect a key big man’s health.

Mobley returns early from calf strain to give Cavs timely boost

Evan Mobley
December 2025

Evan Mobley made a rapid return from a Grade 1 left calf strain to log 14 points and nine rebounds in 25 minutes during the Cavaliers’ narrow 126-124 loss to the Knicks, beating the original two-to-four-week recovery estimate. After progressing quickly through 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 in practice, the 23-year-old Defensive Player of the Year came off the bench, joining other recent returnees like Wembanyama and Williamson in easing back from injury as Cleveland tries to build momentum despite multiple starters sidelined.

Nuggets boosted as MRI shows bone bruise only for Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson
December 2025

Denver received encouraging news on forward Cameron Johnson after an MRI showed only a bone bruise in his right knee, with no ligament or structural damage, easing fears of a major setback following his injury during the Nuggets’ narrow 131-130 loss to Dallas. Johnson is expected to miss only a handful of games but joins starters Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun on the injury list, leaving Denver short-handed for their upcoming Christmas matchup with Minnesota as they manage minutes and depth across a demanding festive schedule.

Slot expects Isak back this season despite fractured fibula

Alexander Isak
December 2025

Record signing Alexander Isak fractured his fibula and damaged his ankle while scoring in Liverpool’s win over nine-man Spurs, capping a turbulent start to life at Anfield following a disrupted pre-season and just as he seemed to be regaining sharpness from the bench. Slot condemned Van de Ven’s “reckless” tackle, arguing it would cause serious injury most times, and confirmed surgery plus “a couple of months” out but insisted Isak will still feature later this season, even as Liverpool also cope with Salah at AFCON, Szoboszlai’s suspension and fitness doubts over Bradley and Gakpo.

Clippers lose Ivica Zubac for weeks with ankle sprain

Ivica Zubac
December 2025

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac will miss several weeks after suffering a Grade 2 sprain to his left ankle, having landed awkwardly on LeBron James’ foot during the first quarter of a 103-88 win over the Lakers at the Intuit Dome. Zubac left the game after posting five points and two rebounds in 11 minutes, with scans confirming significant ligament damage, and the 28-year-old’s absence deprives the Clippers of a double-double machine who anchors their interior defense and has been central to their frontcourt identity.

Luka Dončić injury adds to shorthanded Lakers concerns

Luka Dončić
December 2025

Luka Dončić left the Lakers’ derby defeat to the Clippers at halftime with a left leg contusion, cutting short the NBA’s leading scorer’s night after 19 minutes and 12 points and adding fresh concern over his fitness in an already injury hit Los Angeles squad. Coach JJ Redick said he noticed Dončić limping in the second quarter but could not offer a timeline, while LeBron James called injuries the worst part of sport as the Lakers juggle absences for Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves and search for stability in the Western Conference race.

Kings lose Domantas Sabonis for another month with knee meniscus tear

Domantas Sabonis
December 2025

Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis will miss at least another month with a partial left meniscus tear, extending an absence that has coincided with the team sinking near the bottom of the Western Conference at 6-21 after 11 appearances from their All-Star center. Sabonis, who averaged 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds before the injury, will be re-evaluated in four to five weeks as the Kings lean on rookie Maxime Raynaud. The second-rounder has seized the extra minutes, posting rising scoring and rebounding numbers over his last eight games.

Trae Young Cleared To Return From MCL Sprain Against Hornets

Trae Young
December 2025

Trae Young will return to the Atlanta Hawks lineup against the Charlotte Hornets after missing nearly two months with a sprained right MCL, having originally gone down on October 29 following a five game start that saw him average 17.8 points and 7.8 assists. Atlanta have gone 13 wins and nine losses without their four time All Star, who led the league in assists last season, and they now hope his playmaking lift can push a 15-12 team higher in the East as he eases back under minutes management.

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