Injuries & Player Updates

Mitchell a Game-Time Decision for Game 5 vs. Pacers

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025

Donovan Mitchell is questionable for Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers after aggravating a prior left ankle injury. An MRI confirmed the issue after he left Game 4 at halftime and didn’t return.
Mitchell felt pain during warmups before the second half and exited the court. The Cavaliers will assess his readiness just before tip-off on Tuesday night. He had two consecutive 40-point playoff games before this setback.

Donovan Mitchell Exits Game 4 with Ankle Injury, MRI Scheduled

Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 12, 2025 (Game 4)

Mitchell exited Game 4 with a left ankle injury and did not return for the second half. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the damage.
After scoring just 12 points in the first half, Mitchell experienced discomfort during warmups and was ruled doubtful before missing the rest of the game. His Game 5 status is uncertain.

Edwards Shrugs Off Ankle Scare to Lead Wolves to Vital Game 2 Win

Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
May 2025

Anthony Edwards re-aggravated his left ankle mid-game but returned to power the Timberwolves to a 117-93 win over the Warriors in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal, tying the series 1-1 with a gritty 20-point performance.
After being stepped on by Trayce Jackson-Davis and leaving briefly, Edwards passed mobility tests and returned stronger, finishing with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and a team-best +21 rating, earning praise for his toughness and resilience.

Curry Calls Hamstring Injury a “Gut Punch,” Remains Uncertain on Return Timeline

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Stephen Curry said he’s “a little ways away” from basketball activities as he recovers from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain suffered in Game 1 of the Warriors’ semifinal series. He’s ruled out through Game 4 and will be re-evaluated afterward.
Curry described the setback as emotional, admitting he’s never had a hamstring issue and can’t predict his return. He stressed the importance of not rushing recovery due to the tricky nature of soft tissue injuries. The Warriors lead the series and hope to buy him time.

Stephen Curry Ruled Out at Least One Week with Hamstring Strain

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Injury confirmed May 7, 2025 (Game 1 vs. Timberwolves)

Curry has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will miss at least a week, sidelining him for Games 2–4 of the playoff series against Minnesota. He will be reevaluated before a potential Game 5.
The injury occurred during the second quarter of Game 1 after a driving floater. Curry signaled to the bench and later exited. MRI results confirmed the muscle strain. Coach Steve Kerr emphasized that the team is adapting and won’t rush Curry’s return, while Brandin Podziemski and others voiced their determination to win in Curry’s absence.

Porzingis Returns from Illness for Celtics in Game 2 vs. Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
May 2025, Game 2 of Eastern Conference Semifinals

Kristaps Porzingis came off the bench in Game 2 against the New York Knicks after missing the second half of Game 1 due to illness. He had been listed as probable before being cleared just 30 minutes before tip-off.
Porzingis entered late in the first quarter for Derrick White but is still managing symptoms from the same illness that sidelined him late in the regular season. Reserve Sam Hauser was unavailable due to a Game 1 ankle sprain.

Porzingis Listed Probable Amid Illness for Game 2 vs Knicks

Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
May 8, 2025 (Game 2, Eastern Conference Semifinals)

Kristaps Porzingis is listed as probable for Game 2 after missing the second half of Game 1 due to a lingering non-COVID illness that has affected him since February.
Coach Joe Mazzulla noted Porzingis has been pushing through the illness but couldn’t continue in Game 1. Though now probable, his postseason form has dipped. Sam Hauser remains doubtful after an ankle sprain.

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.”

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