2019-20 NBA Injury Report before Week 1: Zion Williamson's knee injury, Isaiah Thomas set for surprise return and more
The 2019-20 NBA season will finally get underway this week, although there are already a substantial number of players who are missing through injury. Big names such as Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins are set to miss the entire season, while Paul George will also miss the opening month after undergoing surgery in the summer.
There are also plenty of individuals who have suffered injury setbacks over the past few weeks, and here we will take a look at all the latest injury updates you need to know ahead of the start of the new season.
Russell Westbrook - Hand - Expected to play opening night
Russell Westbrook left the court during Houston's final preseason game against the Heat on Friday. The 2017 MVP hurt his hand driving to the basket and immediately headed to the locker room. After the game, Mike D'Antoni revealed that Westbrook had dislocated a finger, although the point guard is set to be fit enough to lineup alongside James Harden.
Zion Williamson - Right Knee - Out for 'A period of weeks'
Zion Williamson is the most talked-about teenager to enter the league since LeBron James back in 2003, although NBA fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see his debut. It is believed that Williamson suffered an injury to his right knee against the Spurs on Oct. 13, and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting the 19-year-old will miss 'weeks'.
Nevertheless, Wojnarowski also states that the injury is not though to be severe, and Pelicans fans shouldn't be fearful that injuries could derail Williamson's rookie campaign.
Alex Caruso - Pelvis - Day-to-Day
Alex Caruso left the court during last Friday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors and was subsequently diagnosed with suffering a bone contusion in his pelvis. Caruso underwent further testing over the weekend, and the Lakers announced last night that he was his condition is day-to-day heading into the opening week of the season.