NBA Injury Report: LeBron James probable, Giannis Antetokounmpo probable and more updates on Russell Westbrook and Joel Embiid | January 6, 2023
LeBron James, the four-time NBA MVP, continues to be on the LA Lakers’ injury report. He has been officially listed as probable due to left ankle soreness for tonight’s matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
James was questionable heading into their game versus the Miami Heat two nights ago but eventually sat out due to a non-Covid related illness. If he is no longer unwell, then he has a big chance of returning to action tonight as his status has been upgraded to probable.
Austin Reaves (left hamstring strain) is out tomorrow vs. Atlanta.
LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are probable. Troy Brown Jr. and Damian Jones are questionable.
The LA Lakers are currently unbeaten this year in three games. Without Anthony Davis and the 18x NBA All-Star, the Lakers pulled a stunning 112-109 upset of the Heat last Wednesday.
The Lakers, though, can’t afford to keep the four-time NBA Finals MVP sidelined for too long. He’s the biggest reason why they’ve managed to stay afloat while waiting for Anthony Davis to return from a foot injury.
If James plays as expected, Juan Toscano-Anderson will automatically slide back to the bench.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks’ own two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is also listed as probable. He was spectacular in back-to-back games against the Washington Wizards last Tuesday and versus the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
The Bucks don’t want to run Antetokounmpo into the ground. Especially since Khris Middleton has hardly played while Jrue Holiday has been in and out of the lineup. Designating Antetokounmpo as probable is likely more of load management although he’s missed a couple of games due to left knee soreness already.
The Bucks have submitted an injury report for Friday’s game vs. Charlotte.
OUT:
Khris Middleton (right knee soreness)
Probable:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee soreness)
MarJon Beauchamp (left thigh contusion)
George Hill (non-COVID illness)
Jrue Holiday (non-COVID illness)
Over his last five games, the six-time NBA All-Star is averaging 40.0 points, 16.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists. Milwaukee is 3-2 during that stretch.
“The Greek Freak” exploded for a season-high 55 points in the Bucks’ 123-113 win over the Washington Wizards. On the second night of a back-to-back and on the road, he dropped 30 points and a career-best 21 rebounds.
Bobby Portis will be inserted into the starting unit if Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status is downgraded to out.
Russell Westbrook: Left foot soreness: Injured since January 2, 2023
Russell Westbrook played just 11 minutes in the LA Lakers’ 121-115 win over the Charlotte Hornets last Monday due to left foot soreness. He returned to action in LA’s next game when they stunned the Miami Heat without LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The former NBA MVP, though, is still feeling a little discomfort in his left foot, which is why he is on the injury report as probable. Westbrook, however, is likely to play when the Lakers host the Atlanta Hawks.
More Lakers: LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are listed as probable for Friday’s game against Atlanta.
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“Russ” was a big reason why the Lakers improbably emerged victorious against a near full-strength Miami Heat team. He continued his Sixth Man of the Year campaign with 21 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.
Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley could see more minutes if Westbrook is sidelined tonight.
Joel Embiid: Left foot soreness; Injured since January 4, 2023
Joel Embiid will miss a second straight game when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Chicago Bulls. The NBA’s second-leading scorer also sat out last Wednesday’s 129-126 win in overtime against the Indiana Pacers.
He could be back in action on Sunday when the 76ers visit the Detroit Pistons.
Joel Embiid (left foot soreness) is listed as out for Sixers-Bulls tomorrow.
Head coach Doc Rivers could insert Tyrese Maxey into the starting lineup, while Montrezl Harrell’s minutes are expected to go up without Embiid.