NBA Roundup: Giddey Nears Return, Tyson Emerges for Cavs, and Jackson Reflects on Recovery
Let’s take a look around the league, where a few key developments are shaping storylines in Chicago, Cleveland, and Indiana.
Bulls: Giddey Trending in the Right Direction
The Bulls may not be ready to pencil Josh Giddey into the lineup just yet, but they’re getting closer. After being sidelined since December 29 with a strained left hamstring, Giddey has been upgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Nets - a subtle but significant step forward in his recovery.
While he’s not expected to suit up, this shift in designation signals that a return could be just around the corner. For a Bulls team that’s been navigating an up-and-down season, getting Giddey back in the mix would be a welcome boost. His playmaking and versatility remain key ingredients in Chicago's long-term plans, and even a glimpse of progress is something the team - and fans - will gladly take right now.
Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson Making His Case
Cleveland may have finally found the answer to its long-standing small forward question - and his name is Jaylon Tyson.
The second-year wing is coming off back-to-back statement performances, capped by a 39-point outburst and a game-winning assist against the Sixers. That kind of production isn’t just impressive - it’s transformative for a Cavs team that’s been searching for consistency at the wing for years.
Tyson, who averaged just 3.6 points per game as a rookie, has taken a massive leap this season. He’s now putting up 13.4 points per game while shooting over 52% from the field and nearly 48% from deep - elite efficiency for a young player still finding his NBA footing.
What’s changed? Tyson credits a clearer understanding of his role - and some encouragement from Donovan Mitchell.
“Tonight, Philadelphia tried to take Donovan out of the game,” Tyson said. “So Donovan told me to be ‘California Jaylon.’ That meant for me to go and get a bucket.”
And go get it he did. Mitchell, for his part, isn’t shy about where he thinks Tyson belongs in the league’s awards conversation.
“The award is made for people like Jaylon,” Mitchell said. “He should win it.”
That might be a bold claim, but if Tyson keeps this up, it won’t be out of reach.
Pacers: Isaiah Jackson Returns After Scary Concussion Battle
Isaiah Jackson is back on the court for the Pacers, but his return comes after one of the more harrowing stretches of his young career.
The 6-foot-10 center missed nearly a month dealing with a concussion, and he recently opened up about just how difficult that time was.
“Headaches. Fogginess,” Jackson said.
“Light sensitivity. Sound sensitivity.
I was literally just in my room with the blinds shut. It was bad.”
That’s not just a tough injury - that’s a full-on health scare. For Jackson, getting back on the floor Saturday was more than just a basketball milestone. It was a moment of personal relief after navigating a grueling and isolating recovery process.
Now that he’s back, the hope is he can regain his rhythm and continue developing as a key part of Indiana’s frontcourt rotation.
Final Thoughts
From Giddey’s slow-but-steady rehab to Tyson’s breakout and Jackson’s gritty return, these are the kinds of stories that shape a season. They’re reminders that NBA success isn’t just about stats or standings - it’s about growth, resilience, and seizing the moment when it comes. And right now, all three of these players are doing just that.