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.
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
Diagnosed with DVT in March, cleared and off blood thinners by April 18
Lillard has been medically cleared of deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on medication. He will increase on-court activity but will not play in Game 1 vs. Indiana Pacers.
Early detection and expert care from Mayo Clinic specialists accelerated recovery. Bucks say this could have been career-threatening but are hopeful Lillard returns later in the playoffs.
Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)
Torn ACL on March 3, surgery on March 26, return expected by January 2026
Successful surgery completed. Team optimistic he can return for much of the 2025-26 season.
Dallas plans to restructure his $43M player option into a new 3-year deal aligned with Anthony Davis and GM Nico Harrison.
Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
April 2025
Damian Lillard will miss the start of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to a blood clot in his right calf. The nine-time All-Star is progressing but hasn’t been cleared for full basketball activity.
Lillard has been sidelined since March 18 and is on blood thinners. His latest scan shows improvement, and he will begin increased on-court activity soon. Milwaukee finished the regular season 10–4 without him, entering the playoffs on an 8-game win streak.
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
April 2025
Victor Wembanyama says he’s moved past the blood clot issue in his right shoulder that ended his season early, and while not yet cleared for contact, he has resumed training and vows to be ready for next year’s camp.
Wembanyama avoided specifics but credited the Spurs’ medical staff for elite care. Despite missing 36 games, he led the NBA in blocks (176) and voiced excitement for a new Big Three with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
April 2025
Despite missing the final four regular-season games with a sprained ankle, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to return for the Cavaliers’ playoff opener as the East’s top seed.
Mitchell has resumed full on-court workouts and will join team scrimmages this week. Coach Kenny Atkinson emphasized balancing rehab with conditioning ahead of Cleveland’s playoff run, which begins April 20.
