NBA Injury Report: Paul George out, Ben Simmons out, and more updates on Zion Williamson and Jose Alvarado (March 23, 2023)
NBA All-Star Paul George has been ruled out of the LA Clippers’ game tonight against the OKC Thunder. George is suffering from a sprained right knee, which he picked up in the Clippers’ 101-100 loss to the Thunder last Tuesday.
George went high for a rebound in the fourth quarter when he collided knees with Oklahoma guard/forward Lu Dortz. The contact led to an awkward landing by George, which caused him to crumple to the floor in pain.
“PG13” was later helped by teammates off the floor and into the locker room.
ESPN Sources: After imaging today, Clippers star Paul George has a sprained right knee and will be re-evaluated in 2-to-3 weeks. https://t.co/jgYytDarfs
The former NBA Most Improved Player winner will be re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks. George’s regular season is all but over, which puts the LA Clippers in a very unfortunate situation.
Paul George is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 56 games. This is the most number of games George has played in the regular season with the Clippers. How far LA can go into the playoffs could hinge on his return to full health.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons will continue to be in street clothes when the Brooklyn Nets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. The former NBA All-Star hasn’t played since Feb. 15 due to left knee and back soreness.
Simmons has been cleared to join teammates doing on-court activities but will remain indefinitely sidelined. The Nets have not given a fixed timetable for his return.
The former NBA Rookie of the Year winner has played only 42 games this season due to a myriad of injuries. “Big Ben” has looked nothing like the star that he once was with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jacque Vaughn says "no timetable" for Ben Simmons, who is out with back and knee soreness.
"There's been no more setbacks, which is good."
Ben Simmons is averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals this season in just 26.3 minutes per game. These are career-low numbers for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Zion Williamson: Right hamstring strain; Injured since: January 2, 2023
NBA superstar Zion Williamson has not seen action since the New Orleans Pelicans' 120-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite playing just 22 games, “Zanos” still made it to the All-Star team.
There was much hope that he could return after the All-Star break, but a regression in his rehabilitation pushed back his return date.
Status alert: Zion Williamson (hamstring) out at least 2 more weeks.
Williamson has just been cleared to do on-court activities with the training staff and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He is likely done for the season, but the Pelicans are hoping he can recover in time if they make the play-in.
Zion Williamson’s strong start had Pelicans fans hoping this could be the year he could play at least 60% of the games. Instead, one of the NBA’s most explosive players has just played 29 games after missing the entirety of the 2021-22 season.
Jose Alvarado: Right tibial stress reaction; Injured since: February 27, 2023
Jose Alvarado hasn’t played since the New Orleans Pelicans' 101-93 loss to the Orlando Magic. Alvarado suffered a right tibial stress injury in that game.
He recently had an MRI on his right tibia, which showed that his recovery has been slow but steady. Alvarado will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Status alert: Jose Alvarado (leg) out at least 2-3 more weeks.
One of the NBA’s most popular players will likely not play again in the regular season. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, are hopeful that he will be available if they make the play-in tournament.