The NBA schedule picks up on Friday and here is an update on some injuries for players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, Tyreke Evans, Marcus Smart, DeMarcus Cousins, Matthew Dellavedova, Timofey Mozgov and Derrick Rose. Durant and Rose have been able to return after injuries earlier this month, while Smart is out for a stretch with a leg injury.
Durant dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in the season and missed six games for the Thunder, but he was able to return and scored 27 points against the Jazz. Durant continued that with 30 points against the Nets and he said he felt good coming back from the injury. Derrick Rose made his way back after dealing with an ankle injury, while DeMarcus Cousins sat out against the Bucks.
Marcus Smart is dealing with a leg injury, while Tyreke Evans still is not ready to return for the New Orleans Pelicans. The Cavaliers have dealt with numerous injuries this season, with Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert still not having played for the team this year. Shumpert and Irving are expected to return over the next month or so, while players like Mo Williams, Matthew Dellavedova and Timofey Mozgov have also been banged up. Williams was able to play on Wednesday after dealing with an ankle injury.
Irving has been out after having knee surgery this summer and his return could come within a month for the Cavaliers. Irving reportedly could be ready to return for the Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors and it comes after ESPN reported that Irving has made "good progress" in his recovery.
Shumpert is coming off of wrist surgery and Chris Haynes at Cleveland.com reported that Shumpert has started shooting with his injured wrist. The report says that Shumpert is "ahead of schedule" with his rehab and he could return sometime in mid-December. Matthew Dellavedova sat out against the Toronto Raptors with a calf injury and he could be out for another game or two as he recovers. Timofey Mozgov will be out for about two weeks after dealing with a shoulder injury. Mozgov had an MRI on his shoulder and now Tristan Thompson and Anderson Varejao could see extended minutes.
Cousins has missed time with injuries and a suspension this season and he could return over the next couple games for the Kings after dealing with back and thigh injuries. Cousins is averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds this season in 10 games. Evans is coming back from a knee injury and he has not played this season for the Pelicans. According to the team website, Evans could return over the next week or so after sitting out against the Suns. According to CSN Boston, Smart will be out for at least two weeks while dealing with a lower left leg injury.
