NBA Injury Roundup: Herro Eyes Return, Jovic Avoids Major Setback, and Trae Young Nears Comeback
As the NBA season grinds toward the holidays, the injury report remains a revolving door - but there’s some encouraging news for a few key players around the league. From Miami’s backcourt to Atlanta’s franchise point guard, here’s the latest on who’s healing, who’s close, and who’s still working their way back.
Tyler Herro Managing Swollen Toe, Hopes to Return on Road Trip
Tyler Herro is back on the road with the Heat, and while he’s not quite ready to suit up just yet, there’s optimism that he could rejoin the lineup during Miami’s upcoming three-game road swing, which tips off Thursday in Brooklyn.
Herro has missed three of the last four games with a right big toe contusion. He did try to play through it last Tuesday - aided by a Toradol shot - and even participated in practice during the team’s five-day break. But that decision may have set him back.
“I probably shouldn’t have practiced,” Herro admitted. “That kind of like sparked things back up. So I’m just trying to control the swelling and the inflammation, and then from there I can kind of decide what I want to do.”
It’s clear the swelling is still a factor, and Herro’s return will hinge on how quickly that inflammation subsides. For a player who relies heavily on footwork, quick changes of direction, and elevation in his shot, toe injuries are no small matter. The Heat will be cautious, but the fact that he’s traveling with the team is a good sign.
Nikola Jovic Avoids Serious Injury After Scary Fall
Forward Nikola Jovic gave the Heat a scare earlier this week when he took a hard fall and left Monday’s game with a right elbow injury. The diagnosis: a contusion and laceration. And while he’s now considered week-to-week, Jovic is feeling fortunate the damage wasn’t worse.
“I was scared I broke my arm, because I didn’t feel anything and I just saw a lot of blood,” Jovic said. “They were really scared, too, because I had a pretty deep and a big cut, too. I have stitches now.”
The rookie forward added that he’s already feeling better, though he’s still limited in what he can do physically.
“I can’t do a lot of stuff. I can’t really hold stuff right now. But it’s not broken, so I guess that’s the most important thing and I think I’ll be back really soon.”
For Miami, that’s a relief. Jovic has been carving out a meaningful role in the rotation, and while his timeline is still fluid, avoiding a fracture keeps the door open for a quicker return.
Trae Young Nears Return After MCL Sprain
In Atlanta, there’s growing momentum for Trae Young’s return to the court. The Hawks’ star guard has been sidelined since October 29 with a sprained MCL, but he’s been ramping up activity this week.
Young was sent to the G League on Tuesday to practice with the College Park Skyhawks - a common step for players nearing return - and was back with the NBA squad on Wednesday for full team practice.
That’s a strong indication that his return is close. For a Hawks team still trying to find consistency, getting Young back could be the spark they need to stabilize the offense and push forward in a tight Eastern Conference race.
Magic Missing Wagner Brothers on West Coast Trip
The Orlando Magic are heading west for a four-game road swing, but they’ll be without two key pieces: Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner.
Franz is still dealing with a left high ankle sprain, while Moritz continues his recovery from an ACL injury. Both are staying back in Orlando to focus on rehab.
Jalen Suggs, however, will travel with the team despite a left hip contusion. Head coach Jamahl Mosley noted that Suggs didn’t do much in Wednesday’s practice, so his availability remains uncertain. Still, his presence on the trip suggests the team is hopeful he’ll be able to contribute at some point.
Anthony Edwards Questionable, Mike Conley Remains Out
Minnesota is monitoring the status of star guard Anthony Edwards, who’s listed as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup against Memphis. Edwards has missed the Timberwolves’ last two games due to right foot injury maintenance - a precautionary measure to manage lingering soreness.
Meanwhile, veteran point guard Mike Conley has officially been ruled out for a third straight game with right Achilles tendinopathy. Minnesota has been cautious with Conley, and given his age and injury history, it’s a smart play to avoid rushing him back too soon.
Ayo Dosunmu Battling Through Thumb Injuries
Chicago guard Ayo Dosunmu is doing everything he can to stay on the floor. After missing two games, he’s listed as questionable for Wednesday’s tilt against Cleveland - and he’s dealing with more than just a single injury.
Both of Dosunmu’s thumbs are sprained and taped up, and he’s also nursing a bone bruise in his right thumb. It’s the kind of injury that won’t heal without rest, but Dosunmu isn’t planning to sit unless he has to.
“It’s a pain tolerance thing,” he said.
That’s a gritty mindset from the third-year guard, who’s become a key rotational piece for the Bulls. If he’s able to manage the discomfort, expect him to be back in action soon.
Bottom Line
Injuries are part of the NBA grind, but this week’s updates bring more good news than bad. Tyler Herro and Trae Young are inching closer to returns, Nikola Jovic avoided a serious setback, and several others - from Anthony Edwards to Ayo Dosunmu - are managing their ailments with an eye toward getting back on the floor. With the season heating up, getting key players healthy could make all the difference heading into the new year.