Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
Injury sustained on 26 March vs. Miami Heat
Payton suffered a partial ligament tear in his left thumb and will be re-evaluated in a week, missing at least Friday’s game vs. the Pelicans.
The injury, deemed a pain tolerance issue post-rehab, sidelines one of the team’s top recent performers. Coach Kerr expects Jonathan Kuminga to fill the defensive void.
Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
Surgery on Wednesday, 27 March 2025
Kyrie Irving underwent successful surgery to repair his torn left ACL in New York. There was no additional ligament or meniscus damage, and recovery now begins.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Riley J. Williams, comes as a major blow to the Mavericks’ playoff hopes. Irving had been the team’s best player before the injury, averaging 24.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, and 4.6 APG while posting elite shooting splits (40% 3PT, 90% FT). Since the ACL tear, Dallas has gone 3-8 and dropped to 35-38, barely hanging onto a Play-In spot. His absence has compounded a wave of injuries: Anthony Davis recently returned after a six-week layoff, while Daniel Gafford, Dante Exum, and Caleb Martin remain sidelined. Irving holds a $43.9M player option for 2025-26.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks
26 March 2025
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf and will be sidelined indefinitely.
Initially thought to be a calf strain, Lillard’s condition was revealed after specialist evaluations. He is on blood thinners and under strict medical monitoring. Bucks GM Jon Horst emphasized that his health is the top priority and doctors believe recurrence is unlikely. Lillard’s absence comes at a crucial point in Milwaukee’s playoff push, with the team slipping to 5th in the East. The Bucks have struggled offensively without him, scoring nearly 7 points less per game.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
26 March 2025
Curry was ruled out for a second straight game due to a pelvic contusion suffered last week. Coach Steve Kerr said Curry felt discomfort at the end of a Monday workout, prompting the decision to hold him out.
Despite looking good during his individual session, Curry made a movement that “didn’t feel quite right,” according to Kerr. With two days off before their next game, Curry is expected to return Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans, giving him a full week of rest and recovery.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
25 March 2025
Suffered a left ankle sprain after a hard foul
Tatum landed on Domantas Sabonis’ foot after a flagrant foul in the third quarter. He stayed in long enough to take free throws but left for the locker room soon after. Coach Joe Mazzulla said the team is being cautious, and Tatum described the ankle as “just sore.”
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
24 March 2025
Coach Michael Malone says Nikola Jokic plans to return “at some point” during Denver’s upcoming five-game homestand as he recovers from a left ankle impingement.
Jokic has missed four straight games and is unlikely to play Monday vs. the Bulls, but he’s progressing after a pregame shooting session. Despite battling both ankle and elbow issues, Jokic is averaging a career-best 29.1 points and 10.3 assists per game, maintaining MVP-level form.
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
25 March 2025
Davis is listed as doubtful for Monday night’s game against Brooklyn, signaling a possible return after missing six weeks due to a groin injury suffered in his Mavericks debut on Feb. 8.
Despite Kyrie Irving being ruled out for the season (torn ACL), Davis has remained active on road trips and in team activities. The Mavericks are battling Phoenix for 10th in the West. Davis had 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists before re-injuring himself during his Dallas debut. A return on the current four-game road trip is likely.
Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers
23 March 2025
Hachimura returned to the lineup after missing 12 games with a left knee issue, contributing in the Lakers’ 146-115 loss to the Bulls.
He had been sidelined with left knee tendinopathy. Coach JJ Redick confirmed he will be limited to 20–24 minutes over the next few games as part of his reintegration plan.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
23 March 2025
LeBron James returned from a two-week groin injury absence, scoring 17 points in 31 minutes during the Lakers’ 146-115 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
James was sidelined after a strain suffered on March 8 vs. Boston. His return comes as the Lakers’ roster nears full health, with only a few players still inactive. Rui Hachimura also made his return and is under minutes restriction.
Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
Injury occurred 19 March 2025 Wednesday vs. Trail Blazers
Clarke suffered a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee and is expected to miss the remainder of the season
Injured during a game; it’s his second major lower-body injury after tearing his left Achilles last season
