NBA injuries: Which playoff-bound teams are limping into the playoffs?

Mar 22, 2024, 11:04 AM

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 19: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 19, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

BY JOSEPH JAROSZ

Former Editor

The Sacramento Kings announced on Thursday that Kevin Huerter suffered a left shoulder dislocation and labral tear. The news comes on the heels of the team also announcing that Trey Lyles will be reevaluated next week after suffering a left knee MCL sprain on March 12th.

But the Kings aren’t the only team dealing with this. NBA injuries are common but with less than a month until the postseason, teams will have to make quick adjustments if they want to stay the course.

Here’s who’s on the mend in the NBA and what we know about their injuries.

New Orleans Pelicans

In Thursday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, Pelicans’ forward Brandon Ingram hyperextended his knee. An MRI revealed only a bone contusion. The team announced he’ll be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Los Angeles Clippers

Russell Westbrook underwent surgery at the beginning of March after fracturing his hand against the Washington Wizards. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported at the time of the injury that LA hopes to have Westbrook return for the postseason.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl-Anthony Towns will be re-evaluated by the T-Wolves during the final week of the NBA Season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. According to CBS Sports, it is unclear when Towns would return.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will conclude its three-game road trip on Saturday night against a dangerous Orlando Magic team that rosters the NBA’s third-best defense (108.8 points per game).

In the lone meeting between these teams this season, on January 3rd, Malik Monk’s 37-point outing lifted the Kings to a thrilling 138-135 win in double overtime. Orlando forward Paolo Banchero racked up a career-high 43 points during the loss at Golden 1 Center.

Domantas Sabonis posted one of his more impressive triple-doubles during the gritty win: 22 PTS | 23 REB | 12 AST

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Magic coverage, beginning at 2:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 4:00 PM PST tip-off from Orlando.