In case you missed any of this past week’s top stories from around the league, we have you covered with our Week in Review. Below are the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry will miss the first round of the playoffs with a grade 2 left MCL sprain. Golden State coach Steve Kerr confirmed his team will open the postseason without Curry, whose condition will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Sixers center Joel Embiid needed surgery to repair an orbital fracture of his left eye. Embiid was injured in Wednesday’s game after colliding with Markelle Fultz and had to be helped to the locker room. His projected recovery time is two to four weeks.
Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas will miss the rest of the season after arthroscopic surgery on his right hip. Thomas had been relatively pain free since being traded to Los Angeles, but woke up with stiffness in the joint last week. He will be an unrestricted free agent in July.
Darius Bazley, a projected lottery pick in the 2019 draft, may have set a precedent by deciding to play in the G League next season rather than college. Bazley, who had committed to Syracuse, will be eligible to join the league in September. He is the highest-profile player ever to choose the G League over the NCAA.
Zeke Upshaw of the G League’s Grand Rapids Drive died Monday after collapsing on the court during Saturday’s game. Upshaw, 26, spent the past two seasons with the team after playing collegiately at Illinois State and Hofstra.
Here are 10 more headlines from last week:
- Thirteen new members were announced for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, headlined by former NBA stars Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash and Ray Allen.
- Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue rejoined the team after nearly two weeks away for health reasons.
- Wizards guard John Wall returned to action today after being sidelined for about two months following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
- After a last-minute decision to turn down a 10-day contract with the Celtics, Sean Kilpatrick signed a three-year deal with the Bulls.
- After his second 10-day contract with the Raptors expired this week, Nigel Hayes agreed to a multi-year deal with the Kings.
- Sixers guard Markelle Fultz, who missed almost all of his rookie season with an injured shoulder and mysterious shooting woes, was activated Monday.
- Duke freshman Marvin Bagley III, who will be in contention for the top pick, decided to enter the NBA draft.
- Michigan State star Miles Bridges, who surprised many observers last year by returning to college for his sophomore season, also declared himself for the draft.
- A bone bruise and a sprained ankle will keep Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder out for the rest of the season.
- Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee that puts his availability for the beginning of the playoffs in question.
There goes warriors championship run
Will lose first round if Utah
Bad matchup