Injury Updates: Thompson Activated; Edwards, Hartenstein Cleared; Embiid Nearing Return; Giannis Day-to-Day
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Detroit forward Ausar Thompson, sidelined for the past five games with a right ankle sprain, has been upgraded to available for the Pistons’ matchup with the Raptors on Sunday in Toronto. The rookie has started 56 of his 57 appearances for the 48-18 club and anchors a defense ranked second in the league with a 108.8 rating.
Thompson’s award candidacy hinges on staying on the court. Because limited minutes in seven outings make them ineligible for league minimums, only 50 of his 57 games count toward the NBA’s 65-game requirement for postseason honors. Missing more than one of Detroit’s remaining 16 contests would leave him short of that threshold.
Additional Injury Notes Around the League
Minnesota Timberwolves: Guard Anthony Edwards (right knee soreness) has been cleared to play in Sunday afternoon’s showdown with the Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Center Isaiah Hartenstein is available after a three-game absence caused by a left calf contusion.
Philadelphia 76ers: Center Joel Embiid, out since Feb. 26 with a strained right oblique, returned to individual on-court workouts this week. Head coach Nick Nurse said the MVP candidate could rejoin the lineup during the team’s upcoming trip that includes stops in Denver on Tuesday, Sacramento on Thursday and Utah on Saturday. Sunday’s home game against Portland marks Embiid’s ninth straight on the sidelines.
Milwaukee Bucks: After being listed as questionable with right calf management, Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out of Saturday’s game in Atlanta due to a left ankle sprain. He is now considered questionable for Sunday’s meeting with Indiana.
Source: Hoops Rumors
