Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (Game 2 vs Orlando Magic)
Jayson Tatum missed Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against Orlando due to a bone bruise in his right wrist—the first postseason game he’s missed in his career.
Tatum sustained the injury after a midair collision in Game 1. He was ruled out an hour before tipoff. Al Horford started in his place as Tatum sat in street clothes on the bench.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
April 2025
LeBron James delivered 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2, attributing the win to a gritty mindset established in practice.
James emphasized the team’s response after getting “punked” in Game 1. His late-game steal and score on Anthony Edwards helped seal the win.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (ahead of Game 2 vs Magic)
Celtics star Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful for Game 2 with a bone bruise in his right wrist, sustained during a midair collision in Game 1.
Tatum landed awkwardly after being hit by Caldwell-Pope and Carter Jr. on a dunk attempt. He stayed in the game but was clearly in pain. X-rays were negative, but soreness persists.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 2025 (Game 1, postgame)
Ja Morant scored 17 points and said his sprained ankle didn’t affect him in the 51-point loss to Oklahoma City.
Morant confirmed he felt fine and declined to reveal if he needed another painkiller shot after his injury in the play-in round.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (Game 1, first-round playoffs)
Jaylen Brown returned after missing the final three regular-season games due to a knee bruise, scoring 16 points in 30 minutes.
Brown started slowly but found rhythm in the second half. He moved confidently, capping his performance with a strong dunk late in the third quarter.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
April 2025 (Game 1, first-round playoffs)
Jayson Tatum says he’s “all right” after landing hard on his right wrist during Boston’s 103-86 Game 1 win over Orlando; X-rays came back clean.
Tatum was fouled midair by Caldwell-Pope and Carter Jr., causing a fall and brief pain. He stayed in the game, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds. The foul was upgraded to a flagrant 1.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Missed final three regular season games; cleared for Game 1 vs. Orlando Magic on Sunday
Brown is set to play without minutes restriction in the Celtics’ playoff opener despite battling a bone bruise in his right knee. He practiced fully this week and says his sole focus is on Game 1.
Brown reportedly received pain injections to promote healing and has since trained without limitations. Coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed Brown is physically and mentally ready after a strong week of preparation.
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
Diagnosed with blood clot on March 25; expected to return in Game 2 or 3 of the first-round series (April 23 or April 26)
Pacers after recovering from a blood clot in his right calf. He missed the final 14 regular-season games but has been cleared for full contact and resumed team practice.
Early detection and preemptive treatment with blood thinners led to an unprecedented recovery. Cleared of deep vein thrombosis, he’s now working on regaining full stamina to contribute at playoff level.
Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
Incident occurred Tuesday night, April 16; update confirmed Friday, April 19
Popovich was hospitalized after a medical incident at a restaurant, later confirmed to be non-life-threatening. He’s now home and doing fine.
The 76-year-old, who previously suffered a mild stroke in November, was stretchered from the scene but alert. Despite health concerns, he has expressed intentions to return next season, with the Spurs allowing him time and space to decide.
Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
Injured April 16 vs. Warriors, game-time decision for April 18 vs. Mavericks
Suffered a right ankle injury after stepping on Buddy Hield’s foot. Despite finishing the game, swelling has limited his practice availability.
Receiving 24/7 treatment. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo says Morant will push to play if physically capable. A decision will be made just before tipoff.
