NBA Injury Roundup: Ball Expected Back; Embiid Sits Again; Mavs, Kings Face Front-Court Questions
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Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is listed as probable for Friday’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks, signaling a likely end to his five-game absence caused by a right ankle impingement. The 24-year-old practiced this week with the team’s G League affiliate, and head coach Charles Lee said he is encouraged by Ball’s progress.
Through six contests this season, Ball is averaging 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 33.3 minutes, while shooting .430 from the field, .333 from three-point range and .815 at the foul line. Fellow guard KJ Simpson (left AC joint sprain) is also probable for Friday, but rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner will be unavailable due to personal reasons.
76ers
Joel Embiid will miss a second consecutive game Friday because of right knee soreness. The 76ers do not consider the issue a long-term concern. Rookie wing VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, is questionable against the Detroit Pistons with back spasms.
Warriors
Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga is dealing with bilateral knee tendinitis and is questionable for Friday’s game in San Antonio. Kuminga came off the bench Wednesday after starting the first 12 games of the season and exited after a season-low 12 minutes because of the knee problem.
Mavericks
Dallas could be without three key front-court players when it hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. Anthony Davis (left calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (right knee sprain) have already missed several games, and forward P.J. Washington was added to the injury list with a left shoulder strain.
Kings
Domantas Sabonis (left rib contusion) and Malik Monk (sore left ankle) are both questionable for Friday’s meeting with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Guard Zach LaVine, who sat out Wednesday with a bruised thigh, is not on the latest injury report. The Kings enter the game on a four-game skid following Wednesday’s lopsided loss.
Source: Hoops Rumors
