Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
April 2025
Joel Embiid had successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will be reevaluated in six weeks, capping a difficult, injury-riddled season for the 76ers star.
Limited to just 19 games due to multiple injuries and a suspension, Embiid’s latest setback comes as the Sixers finish a disappointing season. The injury-hit trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey played only 15 games together.
Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
Wednesday night (April 10)
Luka Doncic returned to Dallas for the first time since being traded and delivered a dominant 45-point performance, leading the Lakers to a 112-97 win and clinching a playoff berth.
Overcome with emotion after a tribute video, Doncic regained focus to shine against his former team. The home crowd honored him with cheers, while chants of “Fire Nico!” targeted the Mavericks’ GM who orchestrated the controversial trade.
Jaden Ivey (Detroit Pistons)
Cleared on Thursday (April 11)
Ivey has been cleared to resume basketball activities after missing over three months with a broken left fibula. He averaged 17.6 points in 30 games this season before the injury.
The Pistons announced that Ivey is entering a re-conditioning phase and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. His return could strengthen Detroit’s roster as they prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2019.
Nikola Jokic, David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
April 10, 2025
Following the sudden firing of coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, the Nuggets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 124-116 win over the Kings. Jokic recorded his 33rd triple-double of the season.
Interim coach David Adelman led Denver to a much-needed victory after ownership acted to jolt the team amid locker room frustrations and declining defensive effort. Adelman emphasized restoring trust and simplicity in communication. The win comes as Denver (48-32) pushes to avoid the play-in and recapture playoff form.
Phoenix Suns
April 10, 2025
The Phoenix Suns, the NBA’s most expensive roster, were officially eliminated from postseason contention after an eighth straight double-digit loss — this time 125-112 to the shorthanded Thunder. They will miss the play-in tournament.
Despite a roster packed with star power and a strong 8-1 start, injuries, inconsistency, and lack of culture-building doomed their season. Durant missed the final five games, Beal struggled with injuries, and coach Budenholzer never found a rhythm. At 35-45, they now face a long offseason and potential shakeups.
Jaylen Wells (Memphis Grizzlies)
April 9
Grizzlies rookie starter Jaylen Wells likely saw his season end after breaking his right wrist and suffering head trauma from a violent midair collision during Tuesday’s 124-100 win over Charlotte.
Wells was undercut by Hornets guard KJ Simpson while dunking on a fast break and landed hard on his head and wrist. He was stretchered off and hospitalized but had movement in all extremities. The collision drew a flagrant 2 foul and ejection for Simpson, who showed immediate remorse.
Michael Malone, Calvin Booth (Denver Nuggets)
April 9
The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, days before the season ends. Lead assistant David Adelman will step in as interim coach. Malone, who coached Denver to its first NBA title in 2023, had led the team for 10 seasons.
Mounting losses (11-13 post-All-Star break), locker room tension, and a reported “cold war” between Malone and Booth contributed to the decision. Ownership cited “worrisome trends” and underachievement despite championship talent led by Nikola Jokic. Adelman, a long-time assistant, now guides the team into a turbulent playoff push.
Indiana Pacers
April 2025
The Indiana Pacers have won 8 of their last 10 games and look poised for another playoff run, even without injured star Pascal Siakam. They’re playing with chemistry, depth, and postseason focus.
Tyrese Haliburton is averaging 20.4 points and 11.3 assists since the All-Star break, while Myles Turner leads the league in blocks. Indiana’s improved bench, with McConnell, Mathurin, and Toppin, allows them to go nine deep without losing momentum.
Joe Cronin (Portland Trail Blazers)
April 2025
The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with GM Joe Cronin, rewarding him for reshaping the roster through impactful trades and draft success since taking over in 2022.
Cronin has added key players like Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Deni Avdija, and drafted Sharpe, Henderson, and Clingan. His strategic moves and cap expertise are seen as the foundation for long-term team success.
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.
