Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
April 2025
Joel Embiid had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will be reevaluated in six weeks, capping a difficult, injury-riddled season for the 76ers star.
Limited to just 19 games due to multiple injuries and a suspension, Embiid’s latest setback comes as the Sixers finish a disappointing season. The injury-hit trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey played only 15 games together.
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
Cleared on Thursday (April 11)
Ivey has been cleared to resume basketball activities after missing over three months with a broken left fibula. He averaged 17.6 points in 30 games this season before the injury.
The Pistons announced that Ivey is entering a re-conditioning phase and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. His return could strengthen Detroit’s roster as they prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2019.
Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 9
Grizzlies rookie starter Jaylen Wells likely saw his season end after breaking his right wrist and suffering head trauma from a violent midair collision during Tuesday’s 124-100 win over Charlotte.
Wells was undercut by Hornets guard KJ Simpson while dunking on a fast break and landed hard on his head and wrist. He was stretchered off and hospitalized but had movement in all extremities. The collision drew a flagrant 2 foul and ejection for Simpson, who showed immediate remorse.
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
April 2025
Jalen Brunson returned to the Knicks’ lineup after missing 15 games with a right ankle sprain suffered on March 6. Backup guard Miles McBride also made his comeback from a groin injury.
Brunson practiced fully Friday and was cleared after a pregame workout Sunday. His return boosts New York’s playoff push, as the Knicks look to lock in a 50-win season with one more victory.
Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
April 2025
Jamal Murray missed his fifth straight game with a strained right hamstring, and coach Michael Malone says it’s no longer day-to-day, raising doubts over his playoff availability.
Malone clarified Murray is genuinely hurt, not being rested, and the uncertainty is growing. With the Nuggets sliding to fourth place, they need other players, including veteran Russell Westbrook, to step up amid Murray’s absence.
Jordi Fernandez (Brooklyn Nets), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Thursday night (Timberwolves vs Nets)
Minnesota star Anthony Edwards had an injury scare after stepping on Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernandez’s foot while sinking a 3-pointer. He left the court briefly but returned in the second half to finish with 28 points.
Fernandez, standing out of bounds, admitted he failed to move away quickly enough, unintentionally causing the incident. He took full responsibility, stressing player safety is paramount. Edwards’ continued health is vital as the Wolves push to avoid the play-in tournament.
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
April 2025
Lillard is recovering from a calf issue and could return soon. Rivers says there’s now more hope than earlier in the week.
He missed his 8th straight game but stayed home to avoid risk. The Bucks beat Philly and are pushing for 5th in the East, which would improve their playoff path.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
Out since March 3; season-ending status confirmed April 4
Maxey will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to a finger tendon injury that has not responded to rehab.
Despite attempts to manage the discomfort, the All-Star guard requires further treatment and joins an extensive list of sidelined Sixers, including Joel Embiid and Paul George. Maxey averaged a career-high 26.3 PPG in 52 games and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
Return expected for April 6-7 weekend
Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has been cleared for basketball activities and could return to game action this weekend against the Hawks or Suns after recovering from a right ankle sprain suffered on March 6.
Initially expected to miss two weeks, Brunson’s recovery extended due to caution and New York’s playoff position. He’s averaged 26.3 PPG and remains a strong All-NBA and Clutch Player of the Year candidate. He needs four more games to meet the 65-game award threshold.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Surgery set for next week; reevaluation in six weeks
Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, ending a season plagued by injuries and limited to just 19 games. He averaged 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, far below his MVP form.
Persistent knee issues since 2023 worsened after a collision with Jonathan Kuminga in January. Despite efforts to manage his load, the injury never healed, forcing him to shut down. The 76ers now face a 65% chance of keeping their top-six protected draft pick as they spiral down the standings.
