The ratings for the NBA have been down over the first month of the 2024-25 season. There are a multitude of assumed reasons for the drop-off, but one is certainly the amount of star power that has been on the shelf due to various injuries. Things will improve on that front starting this week, though, as some of the big names in the game should be returning to the court within the next few days.
NBA Stars Expected To Return From Injury This Week
It starts with Kevin Durant. The four-time scoring champion has played in just nine games so far this season, missing the last eleven contests with a calf strain. He was joined on the injured list by star teammate Bradley Beal, who has played in just nine contests himself thus far this season while also dealing with a calf issue.
According to a report from NBA insider Shams Charania, both players are expected to return to action for Tuesday’s game against the Lakers. It couldn’t come soon enough for the Phoenix Suns, who have lost 6 of their last 7 games after starting off with an 8-1 record.
The Suns aren’t the only team getting some help. The Boston Celtics have had another hot start to the season, but will be inserting even more firepower into their lineup when Kristaps Porziņģis returns on Monday night after recovering from foot surgery.
ESPN story on Suns stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal returning from calf injuries on Tuesday versus the Lakers: https://t.co/TL5vYgH3Ff
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 25, 2024
After missing nine games with a hip ailment, Ja Morant will return for the Memphis Grizzlies, and Dejounte Murray will be returning to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup after being out since opening night. In Sacramento, the Kings are hoping that Malik Monk can come back in the coming days in order to provide some much-needed depth for the struggling squad.
Despite all of the aforementioned players returning to their respective lineups, key star players still remain absent. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George have been in and out of the lineup for the 76ers, and Kawhi Leonard has yet to play a single game this season for the Clippers. Chet Holmgren is missing from the Thunder’s rotation, and the Pelicans are still struggling without Zion Williamson.
For those who are returning from injury on Tuesday, they will be coming back to play in games earmarked for the NBA Cup.
