Injuries & Player Updates

Lean and Locked In: Doncic Unveils Offseason Transformation

Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
Summer 2025 (Post-playoffs to July)

Luka Doncic revealed a dramatic physical transformation after spending two months training in Croatia. He credits a gluten-free, low-sugar, high-protein diet and intermittent fasting for reshaping his body. Men’s Health highlighted his progress with slimmer photos and new fitness details.
After an injury-riddled season, Doncic began training the day after the Lakers’ playoff exit. He cut basketball for a month and focused on strength, diet, and conditioning. Inspired by Kobe and MJ, he now eyes long-term improvement and a possible $222M contract extension.

Haliburton Opens Up on Achilles Injury and Recovery

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
July 2025

Tyrese Haliburton believes there’s no clear cause behind the NBA’s rise in Achilles injuries, calling it “just bad luck.” The Pacers star suffered his own tear in Game 7 of the Finals, despite feeling fully fit after passing stress tests post-calf strain.
Now ruled out for 2025–26, Haliburton plans to grow his basketball IQ by sitting in on Pacers coaches’ meetings and aiding teammates from the bench. He’s spoken with Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum—both Achilles victims—and aims to return stronger in 2026–27.

Pelicans Rookie Derik Queen to Miss Start of Camp After Wrist Surgery

Derik Queen (New Orleans Pelicans)
July 2025

Rookie forward Derik Queen will miss the start of training camp after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist, sustained during Summer League action. He’ll be re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
Queen tore his scapholunate ligament during Tuesday’s game and underwent surgery on Friday, performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles. Drafted 13th by Atlanta, his rights were acquired by the Pelicans via trade.

Dereck Lively Undergoes Foot Surgery, Set for Camp Return

Dereck Lively II (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025

Mavericks center Dereck Lively II has undergone surgery to clean up bone spurs in his right foot. He is expected to be fully healthy and available for training camp in September.
Lively missed significant time last season with a stress fracture in the same ankle. Despite early injury struggles, he remains a core piece in a frontcourt featuring Anthony Davis and No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

Wembanyama Cleared for Full Return After DVT Recovery

Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
July 2025

Victor Wembanyama has been officially cleared to return after recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which cut his 2024–25 season short. The Spurs’ medical team gave the green light on Friday.
The 21-year-old Frenchman recovered ahead of schedule and credited recent Shaolin temple training for boosting his mental and physical focus. He led the NBA in blocks last season despite playing just 46 games.

Sixers’ Paul George Undergoes Knee Procedure, Out Until Camp

Paul George (Philadelphia 76ers)
July 2025

Paul George has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after suffering an injury during a workout. He will begin rehabilitation and be re-evaluated before the start of training camp.
George, 35, continues to battle injuries after a limited 41-game campaign last season. This is his latest setback since signing a four-year, $212M deal with Philadelphia. He averaged 16.2 points in 2024–25.

Mavericks Shut Down No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg for Summer League

Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
July 2025

The Dallas Mavericks have decided to shut down No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg for the remainder of the NBA Summer League after two games, highlighted by a 31-point performance against San Antonio.
Flagg rebounded from a tough debut with a standout showing against Dylan Harper’s Spurs. The Mavs opted to limit his exposure, prioritizing development and preserving the rookie after his strong response in Game 2.

Brandon Ingram Cleared for Contact in Raptors Return Push

Brandon Ingram (Toronto Raptors)
July 2025

Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been cleared for contact and is expected to participate in upcoming team scrimmages as he recovers from the ankle injury that sidelined him since December 2024.
Ingram, acquired from the Pelicans in February, has been pain-free and showing strong progress, according to coach Rajakovic. The 27-year-old has yet to debut for Toronto after signing a $120M extension post-trade.

Jock Landale Joins Grizzlies Amid Frontcourt Injuries

Jock Landale (Memphis Grizzlies)
July 2025

Free agent center Jock Landale has signed with the Grizzlies to bolster their depleted frontcourt following Jay Huff’s trade and multiple injuries.
With Zach Edey recovering from ankle surgery and Jaren Jackson Jr. out 12 weeks, Memphis turned to Landale, a strong screener and improving shooter, to fill the gap.

Haliburton Suffers Torn Achilles in Game 7, Out Indefinitely

Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
June 2025

Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City and is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season, pending recovery after surgery.
Haliburton collapsed without contact while driving, just days after playing through a calf strain. The injury overshadowed Indiana’s title hopes and ended a legendary postseason run, where he set franchise assist records and hit multiple clutch game-winners.

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