TITLE: Morant, Banchero and Anunoby Progress Toward Comebacks; Timetables Still Day-to-Day
SLUG: morant-banchero-anunoby-injury-updates
CONTENT:
MEMPHIS — Ja Morant has moved to on-court drills as he works back from the right calf strain that has sidelined him since Nov. 15, head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. The All-Star guard is participating in non-contact activities at less than full speed and remains listed day-to-day.
Even when Morant is cleared, Memphis will still face a shortage at point guard. Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Ty Jerome (calf) and Javon Small (toe) all remain out, leaving the depth chart thin behind the franchise centerpiece.
Orlando
Forward Paolo Banchero was upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against Miami, ending a run of 10 straight absences caused by a left groin strain. The change in status comes two days after head coach Jamahl Mosley said the 2022 No. 1 overall pick was still limited to non-contact work.
Orlando has stayed afloat in Banchero’s absence, posting a 7-3 record to move to 13-9 overall. The 21-year-old is eligible for a Rose Rule extension if he earns an All-NBA nod—an honor that requires appearing in at least 65 games, making an expedited return critical to his chances.
New York
OG Anunoby is also close to rejoining the lineup. The Knicks listed the forward as questionable for Friday’s meeting with Utah after he completed full-contact work on Wednesday. A strained left hamstring has cost him nine games.
Before the setback, Anunoby averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals in 11 contests while hitting nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts. New York has gone 6-3 without him and sits at 14-7 on the season.
All three players will continue to be evaluated daily as their clubs eye reinforcements for the December schedule.
Source: Hoops Wire
