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.
Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns)
April 2025
Durant is expected to miss at least a week due to a left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday’s loss to the Rockets — his third such injury in two years with Phoenix.
Durant landed awkwardly after contact with Jabari Smith Jr. and couldn’t put weight on his left leg. With seven games remaining, Phoenix—currently 1.5 games out of a Play-In spot—faces a brutal schedule without their star, having gone 2–11 without him this season.
CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
April 2025
The Pelicans confirmed McCollum and Williamson will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to injury setbacks sustained in March.
McCollum is sidelined with a right foot bone contusion, while Williamson is recovering from a low back bone contusion; both will undergo rest and treatment as part of their rehab plans.
Brandon Clarke (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 2025
Clarke will miss the remainder of the season due to a high-grade PCL sprain in his right knee but has chosen a non-surgical treatment plan.
Following multiple consultations, Clarke received an injection and began rehab, with a unanimous decision to avoid surgery. He’s expected to return for the 2025-26 season.
