injury status

Anthony Davis Leaves Playoff Game In Weehlchair

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With seven minutes and 55 seconds left in Game 5 of the playoff series between the Lakers and Warriors, the Lakers were trailing by 13. It hadn’t been the night the Lakers, who were leading the series 3-1, had been hoping for. But there was still every chance for a series-ending comeback. Good load management meant that most of the Lakers’ starters were still on the court well into the fourth quarter.

D’Angelo Russell entered the game for the Lakers and less than 10 seconds later, was driving toward the Warriors’ basket. Anthony Davis and Kevin Looney both squared up for a potential rebound and as they did, Looney caught Davis in the temple with his elbow. Davis went down hard and nine seconds later, was subbed out for Rui Hachimura. After being evaluated on the Lakers’ bench, Davis was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair. He did not return to the game. The Lakers would go on to lose 121-106.

Davis Reportedly Doing Okay But Game 6 Status Unclear

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 10: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the Western Conference Semifinal Playoffs at Chase Center on May 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

However, Lakers fans should not lose hope after a scary hit to the head for Davis. “Obviously everyone saw he took a shot to the head, but we just checked on him,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said after the game. “He seems to be doing really good already. That’s just where he’s at. That’s the status of it right now.” Furthermore, neither Ham nor the medical staff mentioned Davis having a concussion. Despite this, Davis remains a game-time decision for Friday’s Game 6. However, the NBA’s concussion protocol means that Davis cannot be fully clear for the game until Thursday evening at the earliest.

Davis’ fellow Lakers remain optimistic about the forward’s chances of playing. “I believe he’ll play,” Austin Reaves told reporters. “The medical team said he’s doing better. That’s what matters most,” LeBron James added. Additionally, Davis was seen walking to the team bus unassisted as the Lakers departed for LA later on Wednesday evening. Despite the Game 5 loss, the Lakers still lead the series 3-2. They will have the chance to close out the series at home on Friday night. The Lakers are 6-0 at Crypto.com Arena this year during postseason play.

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Kawhi Leonard Injury Details Revealed

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Kawhi Leonard had 69 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists through the first two games of the Suns-Clippers series. He had put the team on his back in the absence of co-star Paul George and had helped the Clippers stun the Suns in Game 1. If the Clippers were going to top the Suns, Leonard was going to be the most vital piece in that effort.

However, Leonard was sidelined towards the end of Game 2 and ruled out of Games 3-5 with a knee injury. There had been reports, and hopes, that he would be able to return to the series. However, these reports only ever went as high as a 50/50 chance that he would play. He was officially ruled out of the series-ending Game 5, with the Clippers losing 136-130. However, further details have now been revealed about Leonard’s injury.

Kawhi Leonard Out Indefinitely With Torn Meniscus

According to sources who spoke with The Athletic, Leonard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. That will shut down the Clippers star for most, if not all, of the offseason and could even extend into the 2023-24 season. Leonard played 52 this season as he dealt with a handful of nagging, small-scale injuries. However, he is quickly gaining a reputation as a GOAT-level player…when he’s healthy. Kawhi has missed a total of 160 games during his stint with the Clippers. In comparison, he has played in 187. ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has already declared that this latest injury should be the end of Leonard’s time with the Clippers.

However, Leonard’s injury all but guarantees he will play for the Clippers next season. 2023-24 is a player option year for Leonard, meaning that he had the right to opt-out and pursue free agency if he wished. However, the market for the veteran forward will be much smaller now that he’s publicly dealing with such a severe injury. Barring a contract extension, Leonard would be a free agent at the end of next season. Furthermore, the Clippers can’t cut Leonard because his contract his fully guaranteed. That means LA is on the hook for nearly $49 million (cutting Leonard also imposes a cap hit of $45 million). However, it remains to be seen what the recovery timetable looks like for Leonard.

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Jason Derulo Breaks Foot Ahead Of Super Bowl Performance

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Jason Derulo has broken his foot just two weeks prior to his performance for the NFL TikTok Tailgate at Super Bowl LVII. TMZ reports that the singer is left walking with a cane after suffering the injury during a game of basketball, earlier this month. Derulo went up for a rebound but landed awkwardly on another player’s foot.

Regardless, Derulo still intends to perform on Super Bowl Sunday. The “Wiggle” singer has reportedly opted against getting surgery and instead is getting stem cell injections. He’s also engaging in daily physical therapy.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 04: Jason Derulo performs live at The Met Philadelphia on July 04, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Welcome America, Inc.)

The NFL announced Derulo as the headliner for the event, last week.

“Super Bowl LVII! Can’t wait to be a part of the TikTok Tailgate and put on an incredible show. It’s the countdown! Let’s go!” Derulo said in a statement at the time.

Derulo will be joined by The Black Keys at the event. They reacted to the news in a statement released by the NFL as well.

“Words can’t express how honored and excited we are to have been asked by the NFL to join the Super Bowl festivities and perform at the TikTok Tailgate party,” the Black Keys said. “As longtime football fans, we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday. See you in Arizona.”

Later in the night, Rihanna will be taking center stage as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show.

Super Bowl LVII will kick off on February 12 with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philidelphia Eagles competing. It will be the third year the NFL has partnered with TikTok for the event.

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Devin Booker Out At Least Four Weeks Due To Groin Injury

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Devin Booker is off to yet another statistically impressive start to the 2022-23 campaign.

The Shooting Guard is averaging 27 points and nearly six assists while shooting 47.7% from the field this year. However, this is only over the course of the 29 games that he’s played.

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns adjusts his jersey during the second half of the NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicansat Footprint Center on December 17, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Earlier this season, the All-Star missed some time on the court due to hamstring and groin injuries. It now appears as though these injuries are causing issues for him again.

Booker made his return on Sunday (December 25), when Phoenix took on the Denver Nuggets. The game was one of the NBA’s five Christmas Day games this year. However, the Shooting Guard exited the game early after playing just four minutes of action and scoring two points.

On Wednesday (December 28), the Suns announced that the 26-year-old will be out for a minimum of four weeks. “INJURY UPDATE: Further evaluation has confirmed that Devin Booker has sustained a left groin strain,” reads the tweet from the organization. His re-evaluation will take place in four weeks.

In his last game before the initial injury, the world was witness to Booker dropping 58 points in the Suns’ 118-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He also hit six three-pointers, dished out five assists and collected five rebounds.

The Suns are currently fifth in the Western Conference, donning a record of 20-16.

In other news surrounding the Suns, their current owner, Robert Sarver is officially selling the team. After a lengthy investigation earlier this year, it was discovered that the businessman has a history of both sexist and racist behavior.

In September, the league announced Sarver’s one-year suspension from the Suns and Mercury organization, as well as a $10 million dollar fine. This all stems from multiple incidents of him using the n-word and making sexist comments to women in the workplace.

According to a tweet from ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski on December 20, the finalizing of the sale is underway. “Billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia is finalizing a purchase of the Phoenix Suns, sources tell ESPN. The deal, expected to be completed in the near future, would end the tumultuous tenure of owner Robert Sarver,” reads the tweet from Woj.

Finally, how do you think the Suns will fare without Booker in the lineup for the next little while? Comment your thoughts down below. Make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

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