NBA Injury Report: Zion Williamson questionable, Jaren Jackson Jr. questionable, and more updates on Ben Simmons and Seth Curry | November 15, 2022
One of the biggest names in the NBA returned from a year-long hiatus last season but is back on the injury report. The New Orleans Pelicans have listed Zion Williamson as questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Williamson’s foot injuries have always caused concern for the Pelicans organization and fans. He has already missed two games this season and could miss another one if the injury report holds true.
Pelicans say Zion Williamson is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Grizzlies with a right ankle / foot sprain. https://t.co/aL7DQZX1Vq
“Zanos” possibly picked up the injury in the Pelicans’ win against the Houston Rockets. The former NBA All-Star was ultra-efficient in scoring 26 points with just nine field-goal attempts. He made his living on the free-throw line, making all but two of his 12 attempts.
When Zion Williamson exactly injured his ankle/foot isn't clear but it’s no surprise that the team is being extra careful with him. The Pelicans will host Memphis tonight and then the Chicago Bulls the night after. Williamson may play one of the two games.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. could make his 2022-23 NBA season debut after returning from off-season foot surgery. Jackson Jr.’s last appearance was in Game 6 of last season's playoffs versus the eventual champions Golden State Warriors.
Last season, Jaren Jackson Jr. was a factor in the Memphis Grizzlies’ success. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and an NBA-best 2.3 blocks per game. These are the numbers that the Grizzlies missed in their first 14 games of the season.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot) intends to make his season debut Tuesday night against New Orleans Pelicans on TNT, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
Without Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies have been utilizing Santi Aldama at power forward. Memphis’ second-year power forward has been doing a solid job while waiting for Jackson Jr. to get back to fitness. He is expected to return to the bench once “JJJ” suits up.
Ben Simmons: Left knee swelling/soreness; Injured since October 31, 2022
Ben Simmons has been in and out of the Brooklyn Nets lineup since a left knee soreness sidelined him back on October 31, 2022. Brooklyn was about to face the Indiana Pacers when Simmons was ruled out due to the aforementioned reason.
The former NBA All-Star was in street clothes when the Nets lost to the LA Lakers two nights ago. Basketball fans were excited at the prospect of Simmons going up against another embattled player in Russell Westbrook, but that matchup did not materialize.
Nets say Nic Claxton (left eye contusion) and Seth Curry (left ankle - injury management) are PROBABLE against Kings.
Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) and Watanabe (lower back contusion) are QUESTIONABLE.
OUT: Irving (team suspension), TJ Warren (left foot), Williams (G League)
Simmons is averaging just 5.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game this season. The Australian is clearly not enjoying his time in the league.
Most basketball experts asserted in the offseason that the Nets will need the All-Star version of Simmons to at least make the playoffs. That version of Simmons was not visible during the Brooklyn Nets’ rough start.
There’s no telling how long Ben Simmons will be out. The Nets will likely want to let the knee heal completely before putting him back in.
Seth Curry: Left ankle recovery/management; Injured since the offseason
The Brooklyn Nets sidelined Seth Curry in their loss to the LA Lakers to manage his left ankle. Before missing that game, the guard seemed to have regained his shooting touch.
In the Nets’ back-to-back wins against the New York Knicks, Curry was methodical and played a big role in helping Kevin Durant. Brooklyn’s backup shooting guard averaged 22.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in just a little over 25 minutes.
Seth Curry (injury management) listed probable for Tuesday.
Without the suspended Kyrie Irving, Curry showed how important his outside shooting was. He hit 4 of 8 3-point shots against the Knicks and made 6 of 11 against the Clippers.
He’s likely to return versus the Sacramento Kings tonight.