Injuries & Player Updates

Gary Payton II Ruled Out for Warriors’ Game 7 Clash vs. Rockets Due to Illness

Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss the decisive Game 7 against the Houston Rockets due to severe illness, with coach Steve Kerr confirming he hasn’t eaten or joined team activities.
Payton started Game 6 and was key off the bench earlier in the series, but his absence will force Kerr to rethink lineup combinations, potentially opening minutes for multiple role players.

Garland’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Cavaliers’ Semifinal Opener vs. Pacers

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Sunday, Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1

Darius Garland is listed as questionable due to a lingering sprained left big toe, having already missed the final two games of the first-round sweep over Miami. His status will be a game-time decision.
Garland didn’t practice Saturday but had a full-contact session Friday. Coach Kenny Atkinson said the injury may linger throughout the playoffs. If unavailable, Sam Merrill or Isaac Okoro may start in his place.

Damian Lillard Undergoes Achilles Surgery After First-Round Exit

Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
May 3, 2025

Damian Lillard underwent surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon suffered during Game 4 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Pacers. The injury ended his postseason and capped a difficult return from recent deep vein thrombosis.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and Lillard is expected to begin a long recovery process. Despite the setback, coach Doc Rivers praised Lillard’s mindset, quoting him as saying, “I’m not going out this way.”

Isaiah Stewart Remains Out with Knee Injury for Game 6 vs. Knicks

Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
May 2025 (Game 6, First-Round Playoffs)

Pistons center Isaiah Stewart missed his fifth straight game with a lingering knee injury, despite taking part in the team’s shootaround earlier in the day.
Stewart’s absence has led to an increased workload for Jalen Duren, who is averaging 35 minutes per game in the series, while Paul Reed has stepped into the rotation with moderate impact off the bench.

Warriors Expect Jimmy Butler to Return for Game 4 vs. Rockets

Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors)
April 2025 (First-Round Playoffs)

Warriors expect Jimmy Butler to return from a pelvic and gluteal injury for Monday’s Game 4 against Houston; he is listed as questionable but has made significant progress.
Butler participated in a walkthrough Monday morning after intensive treatment; Warriors lead the series 2-1 and aim to strengthen their position with his return.

Darius Garland Ruled Out Again with Toe Injury for Cavs’ Game 4

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
April 2025 (First-Round Playoffs)

Darius Garland was ruled out for Game 4 against the Miami Heat due to a sprained left toe, missing his second straight playoff game.
Garland aggravated the injury in Game 2, missed Game 3, and after a pregame test Monday, the Cavaliers opted to prioritize his recovery as they aim to sweep the series.

Magic’s Physical Play Injures Celtics Stars as Series Tightens

Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
April 26, 2025 (First-Round Playoffs, Game 3)

Boston Celtics criticized Orlando Magic’s physical play after multiple flagrant fouls caused injuries to Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown in a 95-93 Game 3 loss.
Tatum suffered a wrist bruise, Porzingis needed stitches, and Brown dislocated his finger. Despite Tatum’s 36 points, turnovers and Magic’s defense disrupted Boston, cutting their series lead to 2-1.

Ill Luka Doncic Struggles as Lakers Fall to Timberwolves in Game 3

Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
April 26, 2025 (First-Round Playoffs, Game 3)

Luka Doncic battled a stomach illness and was limited to 17 points as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 116-104 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling behind 2-1 in the series.
Doncic vomited all afternoon before tipoff and played through sickness; turnovers and a late 13-1 Timberwolves run sealed the Lakers’ defeat. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday.

Ja Morant Ruled Out of Game 4 with Left Hip Injury as Grizzlies Face Elimination

Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 2025 (Game 4, First-Round Playoffs)

Ja Morant will miss Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a left hip injury suffered during Memphis’ Game 3 loss.
Morant crashed to the court after a foul, missed two free throws, and exited in pain. Already down 0-3, the Grizzlies now face elimination without their superstar guard.

Russell Westbrook Exits with Foot Injury, Michael Porter Jr. Battles Shoulder Pain in Nuggets’ Game 3 Loss

Russell Westbrook & Michael Porter Jr (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025 (Game 3, Western Conference Playoffs)

Russell Westbrook left Game 3 with left foot inflammation, while Michael Porter Jr. played through a Grade 2 shoulder sprain but struggled as Denver lost to the Clippers 117–83.
Westbrook hurt his foot during warmups and couldn’t continue. Porter Jr., severely limited, shot 2-of-9. Denver hit only 28% from three, falling behind 2-1 in the series.

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