Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (left heel contusion) will miss his fourth consecutive game on Wednesday, but Denver will get some reinforcements vs. Houston with Bones Hyland (non-COVID illness) set to make his return following a three-game absence, per Harrison Wind or DNVR Sports (Twitter links).
Hyland last played on November 22 and was hampered by his illness on that night, logging just nine minutes. The Nuggets guard said today that he “couldn’t breathe on the floor” during that game, but is “feeling great” now, according to Mike Singer of The Denver Post.
Here are a few more health-related updates from around the NBA:
- Heat guard Victor Oladipo practiced with the team on Tuesday, but there wasn’t any contact during that session and he won’t play on the current road trip, which runs through next Monday, head coach Erik Spoelstra said today (link via Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel). While Oladipo hasn’t played yet this season due to left knee tendinosis, it sounds like he’s making progress toward a return.
- Pelicans guard CJ McCollum has exited the NBA’s health and safety protocols, but will remain sidelined on Wednesday as he attempts to get back into game shape, tweets Andrew Lopez of ESPN. New Orleans did get some good news on Larry Nance Jr. — he’ll be available after missing Monday’s game with a right shoulder injury.
- Still without Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and Luke Kennard, the Clippers added Norman Powell to their injury report for Wednesday’s game in Utah due to a left groin strain. Powell is doubtful to play, says Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN (Twitter link).
- Thunder big man Chet Holmgren will undergo a follow-up procedure to remove the “hardware” in his right foot from his previous surgery, a team spokesperson tells Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman. The procedure had been planned and is a sign that Holmgren is making progress, Mussatto adds.
Either the Clippers medical staff is the worst in the NBA, or their players don’t care about staying in good condition. Last year it was the same; decimated by injuries the whole season and having to piece it together with roleplayers.
Oladipo still injured? Man… He has a good agent.
I know I wish I had an agent like that.
I wonder if Chandler Parsons set precedent for others to follow or is providing advisory services. Seems everyone has or had an injury at some point this year.
Sixers & Clips have been injured all over the place this season.
Pelicans have had a ton of injuries with their preferred starting lineup only playing 10 games together. Ingram, CJ, Zion, Herb, Trey Murphy & Larry Nance all have missed games. However, they are still finding a way to win. They have assembled a very deep team & the coaching staff makes great adjustments. Look out if they get healthy for the playoffs.