NBA Injury Roundup: Encouraging Signs for Lakers’ Backcourt, Key Absences Across the League
The Lakers might be catching a break on the injury front. Head coach JJ Redick offered some positive updates on Monday regarding two of his key guards, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves - and for a team still finding its rhythm, that’s welcome news.
Doncic, who exited Saturday’s loss to the Clippers at halftime, is dealing with a lower left leg contusion. He’s officially listed as day-to-day.
During the portion of Monday’s practice open to the media, the 26-year-old had the bruised area taped up - a sign that while the injury isn’t overly serious, the team is taking a cautious approach. With Doncic, every movement matters.
His ability to control pace, create space, and orchestrate the offense is central to the Lakers’ identity, especially with the team still adjusting to Redick’s system.
Reaves, meanwhile, was back on the floor for parts of practice after missing the last three games with a mild left calf strain. Like Doncic, he’s also day-to-day.
The Lakers have missed his versatility - the ability to slide between guard spots, knock down timely shots, and defend multiple positions. Even in a limited role, Reaves brings a spark that’s hard to replicate.
The Lakers are also expected to get a boost in the frontcourt. Starting center Deandre Ayton is set to return Tuesday in Phoenix after sitting out the last two games with a sore left elbow.
He won’t appear on the team’s injury report, which suggests he’s good to go. Ayton’s presence in the paint - both as a rim protector and a rebounder - has been missed.
His return adds much-needed size and physicality, especially with the Lakers preparing to face a Suns team that can stretch the floor and attack inside.
Around the League: Knicks Thin in Minnesota, Hawks Lose Daniels, Nuggets Monitoring Watson
The Knicks will be short-handed Tuesday night when they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota. Jalen Brunson, fresh off an Eastern Conference Player of the Week nod, will sit out due to right ankle injury management. He previously missed time in November with a sprain to the same ankle, so the team is clearly being proactive here.
Joining Brunson on the sideline are OG Anunoby (left ankle soreness) and Guerschon Yabusele (illness). Anunoby’s absence is particularly notable - he’s been the Knicks’ defensive anchor on the wing, often taking the toughest perimeter assignment. Without him and Brunson, New York will be relying heavily on its depth against a Wolves squad that’s been one of the league’s best at home.
In Atlanta, the Hawks will be without reigning Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels for Tuesday’s rematch with the Bulls. He’s dealing with right hip inflammation, marking his first missed game of the 2025-26 season. Daniels has been a key two-way presence for Atlanta, and his absence will test the Hawks’ perimeter defense.
Also on the Hawks’ injury report is reserve big Mouhamed Gueye, who’s listed as questionable with a right shoulder sprain. Gueye’s role has grown in recent weeks, so his availability could impact Atlanta’s second-unit rotations.
The Nuggets are keeping a close eye on forward Peyton Watson, who’s been dealing with a right trunk contusion after taking a knee to the midsection last Monday. Head coach David Adelman noted Watson had a minor setback in terms of pain management, which kept him out of Saturday’s game against Houston.
Adelman said there was a 50-50 chance Watson would suit up, but the team ultimately decided to hold him out. While it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue, Denver will continue to monitor his progress - Watson has shown flashes of promise this season, particularly on the defensive end.
In Indiana, veteran guard T.J. McConnell was ruled out of Monday’s matchup with the Celtics due to left knee soreness.
McConnell missed the first 10 games of the season with a hamstring injury but had been active for the last 18. His absence puts more pressure on the Pacers’ backcourt depth, especially against a Boston team that can throw multiple looks at opposing ball-handlers.
Bottom Line
Injuries are always part of the grind, especially as we approach the midway point of the season. But for several teams - particularly the Lakers - the news this week leans more optimistic than ominous.
With Doncic and Reaves trending in the right direction, and Ayton ready to return, LA might be getting healthy at just the right time. Elsewhere, teams like the Knicks, Hawks, and Nuggets are navigating short-term absences, hoping to avoid any lingering effects as the playoff picture slowly starts to take shape.