Here is a roundup of news and rumors happening around the NBA. This edition will look at when Draymond Green will return to the court, Luka Doncic’s lingering injury, Desmond Bane’s being out for an extended period, and Jaime Jaquez’s injury.
NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Dray Green Set To Return, Luka Doncic Lingering & Nikola Jokic Historic Night
Draymond Green Set To Return Tomorrow
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green will return to the floor on Monday when the Golden State Warriors continue their four-game road trip at the Memphis Grizzlies (14-25) on Monday at 6 p.m. (ET), according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
After missing 16 games, Warriors star Draymond Green is expected to return vs. Grizzlies in Memphis on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/Q13vFRbJ85
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 14, 2024
Green was re-instated from the NBA’s imposed indefinite suspension last Saturday. But the Warriors said that the four-time all-star would need a week to ramp up into form.
His return, which couldn’t have come at a better time for the Warriors, means that Green missed 16 games due to the suspension. The Warriors (18-21) are 8-8 during this span, although the Dubs have lost seven of their last 10. They are 11-13 without Green this season.
Stephen Curry will return for Golden State after sitting out Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, Memphis (14-25) will be without many players. On a two-game losing streak, the Grizzlies have nine players on the injury report. Seven players are listed out, with Jake LaRavia and Desmond Bane being the latest to miss games.
Late last night, the Grizzlies provided an update on Bane and LaRavia and revealed that both will be out of action for several weeks.
Grizzlies say Desmond Bane has a Grade 3 left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. pic.twitter.com/XZL50su8Qq
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 15, 2024
Bane sustained a Grade 3 left ankle sprain during the third quarter of January 12th’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Bane will be re-evaluated in six weeks.
LaRavia is dealing with a Grade 2 high left ankle sprain, which he suffered during the first quarter of Friday’s night game against the New York Knicks. LaRavia will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee contusion) and Santi Aldama (knee contusion) are questionable for Monday.
Luka Doncic Likely To Miss 3rd Straight Game
Dallas Mavericks’ star guard Luka Doncic is unlikely to play in the season-finale against the New Orleans Pelicans (24-16) on Monday afternoon as he is doubtful due to an ankle injury. The Mavericks (23-17) fell to the Pelicans 118-108 on Saturday night as several players from both squads sat out.
If Doncic cannot go, it will be the third straight game he has sat out. The 24-year-old guard has missed six games this year, with the Mavs going 2-4 in those contests. Derrick Jones Jr is also listed as doubtful due to a right calf injury he is suspected of having suffered against the Pelicans on Saturday, where he scored 24 points.
Dereck Lively II (ankle) has missed five straight games, while Maxi Kleber (toe) is probable, and Dante Exum (right plantar sprain) is out.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Out At least Two Games
Jaime Jaquez Jr, suffered a left groin strain during the second quarter of the Miami Heat’s 104-87 victory over the Charlotte Hornets last night. Jaquez, who scored 15 points in the opening frame, did not return to the game.
Jaime went off in Q1 for 15 points – the highest scoring quarter of his young career 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VJfGIbPm5V
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 14, 2024
According to ESPN, Jaquez will not travel with the team for their upcoming two-game road trip, which begins in Brooklyn tonight.
On a positive note, Jimmy Butler will travel with the team. But it is unknown whether Butler will suit up against the Nets due to a toe injury that has caused him to miss 11 of the last 12 games.
If Butler can’t play, Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin, and Josh Richardson are expected to pick up the slack.
