The NBA injury report this week has updates for Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Tyreke Evans, Marcus Smart, DeMarcus Cousins, Luol Deng, Damian Lillard, Jonas Valanciunas, Ricky Rubio, Kirk Hinrich and Brandon Jennings.
Carmelo Anthony sat out of the game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday with an illness, but he was able to return to practice and should play against the 76ers on Tuesday. The Knicks held tight with the Rockets before losing in overtime and the team will be glad to have Anthony back on the floor. Ian Begley at ESPN reports that Anthony was able to practice without any issues and should get back into the starting lineup.
Chris Paul is questionable with a rib injury for the Los Angeles Clippers as they prepare to take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Paul had to leave the game on Monday for LA against the Blazers and did not return. The Orange County Register reports that Paul is dealing with a strained rib muscle and he potentially could suit out against the Pacers on Wednesday, which would give Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford the chance to get some extra minutes.
Tyreke Evans has not played for the Pelicans this season, but the guard said that he should be able to return against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Evans is coming back from a knee issue and he has been working his way back in practice and now looks ready to make his season debut for the team. Evans wrote on social media that he is not yet 100 percent, but should be able to play.
Marcus Smart has been dealing with a leg injury for the Celtics and he is expected to be out for at least a few more weeks. Smart was expected to miss just two weeks after being injured earlier in November, but it looks like he will be off the court for a longer amount of time than that. According to A. Sherrod Blakely at Comcast SportsNet, Smart is still wearing a leg brace, although he was able to walk without crutches. Smart could be out until Christmas.
DeMarcus Cousins has been dealing with a back injury recently and he was able to play on Monday for the Kings. Cousins played against the Mavericks and had 31 points and did not show any signs of being limited from the back issue. Damian Lillard is dealing with an abdominal issue and he said that he is "unsure" if he will play against the Mavericks on Tuesday night. Lillard left the game against the Clippers on Monday and could sit out.
Ricky Rubio is listed as questionable for the Tuesday game against the Magic and he could sit out for the Timberwolves. Luol Deng has been dealing with a hamstring issue and he did not play against the Boston Celtics on Monday. Deng reportedly is looking to return on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kirk Hinrich is expected to be out against the Nuggets on Wednesday for the Bulls. KC Johnson reports that Hinrich is "doubtful" for the game. According to Yahoo Sports, Jonas Valanciunas will miss about six weeks as he rehabs from a hand injury.
