NBA Injury Roundup: Wagner’s Ankle Still an Issue; Okongwu Undergoes Dental Work; Updates on Giddey, Kawamura, Johnson
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Franz Wagner, Magic
Orlando forward Franz Wagner remains limited by the left high-ankle sprain he suffered on December 7. The 24-year-old has missed 20 of the club’s past 22 games and spent Wednesday’s shootaround in Miami on a stationary bike before taking stand-still shots after teammates departed. Wagner, who briefly returned for two European contests against the Grizzlies earlier this month—including the league’s first regular-season game in his hometown of Berlin—acknowledged he likely rushed back. He felt renewed soreness following the second game in London, will sit out his fifth straight matchup on Friday, and has no target date to play.
Onyeka Okongwu, Hawks
Atlanta center Onyeka Okongwu lost two teeth when Jaylen Brown’s elbow caught him in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s win over Boston. Brown was assessed a flagrant-1 foul and said the contact was unintentional. Okongwu underwent a successful dental procedure Thursday morning in Atlanta, was ruled out of that night’s loss to Houston, and is listed day-to-day.
Josh Giddey, Bulls
Chicago guard Josh Giddey, back for only a week after a three-week absence due to a left hamstring strain, experienced tightness in the same hamstring during Wednesday’s loss at Indiana. The Bulls held him out of Thursday’s defeat in Miami. Head coach Billy Donovan said there is no new strain or setback but offered no timetable, noting the club wants the tightness resolved before Giddey returns.
Yuki Kawamura, Bulls
Second-year point guard Yuki Kawamura was active for the first time this season on Thursday after overcoming a blood clot in his lower right leg. Chicago had waived the 5-foot-7 guard in October, then re-signed him to a two-way contract earlier this month. Kawamura said the rehab process was difficult but added he is thrilled to be back on the floor.
Tre Johnson, Wizards
Washington rookie Tre Johnson, the No. 6 pick in the 2025 draft, sprained his right ankle in Thursday’s victory over Milwaukee and did not return. The guard logged 11 minutes before the injury and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Source: Hoops Rumors
