The NBA's injury landscape is changing yet again this week, with the league's biggest players either preparing to return or facing lengthy absences.
Between the rise of LeBron James, Anthony Davis out longer than expected and the New York Knicks losing multiple starters, several contenders are bracing for impact.
LeBron James is slowly moving toward his first action of the season as part of his promotion after being transferred from the Lakers G-League affiliate.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James, who missed the opening month with sciatica, “has been cleared to return to basketball activities in early November” and is now expected to fully participate in team practices.
James has been working out in five-on-five scrimmages and continues to improve without any setbacks.
Last season, even as the oldest active player in the league, James averaged nearly a triple-double of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists while playing 34 minutes per game.
As the Lakers prepare for James' return, Anthony Davis remains unavailable. The 10-time All-Star is sidelined with a strained left calf and will miss at least 7-10 days, according to multiple reports in Dallas.
“He wants to be there to help us,” head coach Jason Kidd said. “But it gives him seven to 10 days to get better or get stronger. Hopefully in seven to 10 days, he'll be back on the court.”
Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont is taking a cautious approach, with ESPN's Tim McMahon noting that Dumont “will not approve the 10-time All-Star's return unless he receives medical indications that there is no risk of exacerbating the calf strain or suffering an associated, potentially catastrophic injury.”
Meanwhile, the Knicks suffered a major setback ahead of a long road trip. OG Anunoby is out with a strained left hamstring and will be reevaluated in two weeks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
On top of that, Jalen Brunson remains sidelined with a sprained ankle, leaving New York without two of its top scorers.
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