The NBA injury report coming into the week has names like Kevin Durant, Marcus Smart, Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, D'Angelo Russell, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tyreke Evans, Matthew Dellavedova, Brandon Jennings and Patrick Beverley dealing with some bangs and bruises.
Kevin Durant has been dealing with a hamstring injury and he has been out for a stretch for the Thunder and could return soon. Durant was out for OKC on Sunday and he also missed the game against the Knicks on Friday. Derrick Rose has been dealing with an ankle injury, but he is expected to return against the Blazers on Tuesday for the Bulls. Marcus Smart is out for a couple weeks with a leg injury for the Celtics, while D'Angelo Russell has been dealing with an ankle injury, but was able to return on Sunday for the Lakers.
Durant has missed the last six games for the Thunder while dealing with the hamstring and he is questionable for the game against the Jazz. According to Randy Renner, head coach Billy Donovan said that Durant is "moving in a good direction" and could be back within the week. Durant sat out against the Mavericks and he could return against the Nets on Wednesday for OKC.
Kobe Bryant was given time off in practice on Monday for some rest and he is likely to play against the Warriors on Tuesday, according to Bill Oram at the Orange County Register. Russell said his ankle injury was not serious and he looked good in his return against the Blazers, scoring 13 points and adding nine rebounds and six assists.
Derrick Rose has been out for two games with an ankle injury, but he is expected to return to play on Tuesday against the Blazers. Nick Friedell at ESPN Chicago reports that Rose was able to get through a full practice on Monday and that puts him on track to play on Tuesday. Rose also was able to practice on Sunday and so far he has not had any setbacks with his injury.
Marcus Smart is dealing with a lower leg injury for the Celtics after suffering the injury against the Nets and now he will be out for an extended stretch for Boston. According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, Smart will be out for "a couple weeks" and it "could be longer" depending on how the leg heals. Avery Bradley could see more time in the starting lineup, while Evan Turner also could get some extended minutes.
Tyreke Evans has been out all season for the Pelicans, but he is on his way back and could play on Wednesday for New Orleans, according to John Reid on Twitter. Evans has been dealing with a knee injury. Brandon Jennings has also been out all season and the Detroit News reports that Jennings is progressing and has started working out with contact. LaMarcus Aldridge is dealing with a left ankle sprain and is questionable for the Suns game on Monday for the Spurs, according to the San Antonio Express-News. Patrick Beverley is dealing with an ankle injury and could be ready to play on Wednesday.
