Injuries & Player Updates

Warriors rest Butler after ankle strain amid veteran tilt

Golden State Warriors
October 2025

Golden State are testing an older core with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and Al Horford. Butler strained an ankle in practice and will miss the Blazers preseason trip with a possible return by Friday.
Brandin Podziemski impressed with expanded touches. Kerr is calibrating lineups for health, defense, and shooting balance. Early availability for Butler will shape opening rotations around Curry’s usage.

Keegan Murray sidelined after thumb ligament tear

Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings)
October 2025

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and will undergo surgery, ruling him out for at least four to six weeks. The injury will likely sideline him for the first 10 games of the regular season, disrupting both his contract extension talks and the team’s early momentum.
Murray sustained the injury during a preseason game against Portland, cutting short what was meant to be a pivotal year before his potential extension deadline on October 20. Known for his consistency and durability, having played 233 of 246 games since debuting, Murray’s absence leaves a major void. Dario Šarić, Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, or rookie Nique Clifford could step in alongside Dennis Schröder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis.

Myles Turner joins Milwaukee Bucks seeking title redemption

Myles Turner (Milwaukee Bucks)
October 2025

After narrowly missing out on an NBA title with the Pacers last season, Myles Turner signed a four-year, $108.9 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks to chase a championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner replaces Brook Lopez, offering youth, mobility, and two-way impact.
The Bucks created cap space by waiving injured guard Damian Lillard and stretching his $20 million salary over five years. Turner, a proven rim protector and floor-spacer, said Milwaukee’s championship pedigree and shared mindset convinced him to join. Coach Doc Rivers plans to use Turner as a stretch-five and playmaker at the elbow to expand his role.

Russell Westbrook weighing NBA options amid CBA offer and Kings interest

Russell Westbrook (Free Agent)
October 2025

Former MVP Russell Westbrook, now 37, remains unsigned after opting out of his Denver Nuggets deal upon learning he’d be relegated to a non-rotation bench role. Despite a lucrative offer from the Chinese Basketball Association, the veteran guard is holding out for another NBA opportunity.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that there’s “strong mutual interest” between Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings, who are seeking a spark for their bench unit after ranking 29th in points and assists. Westbrook’s ties with Domantas Sabonis, Dennis Schröder, and several executives could aid a midseason signing.

T.J. McConnell sidelined with hamstring injury as Pacers sign Cameron Payne

T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers)
October 2025

McConnell will be out for at least a month after suffering a hamstring injury in Indiana’s first preseason game. The 33-year-old guard averaged 9.1 points and 4.4 assists last season, playing a pivotal role in the Pacers’ run to the NBA Finals.
Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the injury “wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been” but requires rest. To reinforce depth, Indiana signed veteran guard Cameron Payne to a training camp deal while waiving Delon Wright, who also picked up a knock in preseason.

LeBron James to miss 3–4 weeks with sciatica, out for Lakers’ preseason

LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)
October 2025

The Lakers announced that LeBron James will be sidelined three to four weeks with right-side sciatica, keeping him out of all preseason action and likely the season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
Head coach JJ Redick said James is “on his own timeline” as he recovers from nerve irritation in his glute. The 40-year-old forward has yet to participate in full training camp sessions but remains focused on returning once pain subsides.

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.

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