The NBA injury report coming into Thursday has updates for players like Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, Iman Shumpert, Brandon Jennings, Harrison Barnes, Marcus Smart, Rudy Gobert, Tim Duncan, Greg Monroe and Mike Dunleavy. Irving was reportedly going to make his return Thursday night, but that is not happening for the Cavs, while Dunleavy remains out indefinitely for the Bulls.
Irving has been out all season for the Cavaliers and some reports in the media had the point guard ready to return on Thursday night against the Thunder. Irving shot down those rumors on Twitter on Wednesday and said that he "won't be returning" for the game, but that he will be back soon and when it happens "you'll hear it directly from me." Irving is coming back from knee surgery and reports have the point guard ready to go, but the Cavaliers and Irving want to be cautious to avoid any potential setbacks.
The Cavaliers saw Iman Shumpert return for the first time this season against the Magic last Friday, but the guard will be out again for a stretch after suffering a groin injury. Shumpert missed the start of the season with wrist surgery and now he will be out for at least a couple games with a groin issue. According to ESPN, Shumpert is officially out for the game against the Thunder.
Bradley Beal is expected to miss at least two weeks and potentially more for the Wizards while dealing with a right leg injury. According to the Washington Post, Beal could potentially be out until January and that when he returns he could have a restriction on his minutes to keep the injury in check. The Wizards said that Beal has been "diagnosed with the beginnings of a stress reaction in his lower right fibula' and he will be out for at least two weeks before being re-evaluated.
Harrison Barnes continues to deal with an ankle injury and Rusty Simmons at the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Barnes will be out for the week. Barnes will likely be out for at least a few more games and there is a chance he could be back for the Christmas game against the Cavaliers. Tim Duncan sat out against the Wizards on Wednesday, but it was only for rest and not for an injury issue. Greg Monroe is dealing with a knee injury and could miss a week for the Bucks.
Brandon Jennings is looking to make his return soon for the Pistons and according to the Detroit Free Press, Jennings will rehab in the D-League before he comes back. Jennings will join the team on Saturday and reports have Jennings potentially making his return on December 29 for the Pistons.
Marcus Smart has been dealing with a leg injury and has been out for a while, but ESPN Boston reports that he has started basketball activities again. Smart reportedly will be looking to come back late December or early January from the injury. Rudy Gobert has been out with a knee injury and head coach Quin Snyder said that Gobert could be back in action soon. Gobert's return in January is likely.
