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April 30th NBA Injury Report and Projected Lineups – LeBron James Now a Game Time Decision & More Injury Updates

Quinn Allen

by Quinn Allen in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 30, 2021 · 11:33 AM PDT

LeBron walking
LeBron James could return on Friday after more than a month sidelined by a high ankle sprain. (Photo by PI/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire)
  • There are eight games across the league on Friday, April 30th
  • Several stars remain sidelined, such as Zach LaVine and LeBron James
  • Get the full injury report, along with the projected starting lineups below

Injuries continue to rip their way through the league, with numerous key players currently out. As Brooklyn faces Portland on Friday, they will be without not only James Harden, but potentially Kyrie Irving too, who is nursing a sore groin.

Giannis Antetokounmpo sprained his ankle against the Rockets on Thursday, which forced him to leave the contest. Coach Mike Budenholzer is optimistic that it’s not serious, but we will not get any further updates until Friday. It’s fair to believe that he will be ruled out in Milwaukee’s matchup with the Bulls, though.

NBA Injury News – April 29th

  • [2:30pm EST] According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, LeBron James could return for the Lakers as early as tonight against the Kings and is a game time decision.
  • [1:30pm EST, April 29] Kevin Durant won’t play for the Nets vs the Trail Blazers on Friday due to load management
  • [6 pm EST, April 28th] Hawks star Trae Young (ankle) listed as questionable for Friday’s contest against the 76ers. He’s missed the last four games, but there is a possibility he returns here
  • Nets guard Kyrie Irving (groin) questionable vs. Blazers. No further updates as of yet but considering he was ruled out on Thursday, his status is definitely up in the air
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) doubtful for the Bucks against Chicago. Considering how the injury looked, it’s questionable he plays on Friday. More updates to follow

April 30th NBA Projected Starting Lineups

Hawks vs 76ers Projected Lineups

Hawks
VS
76ers
Brandon Goodwin PG Ben Simmons
Lou Williams SG Seth Curry
Solomon Hill SF Danny Green
John Collins PF Tobias Harris
Onyeka Okongwu C Joel Embiid

Atlanta is dealing with a ton of injuries right now. Along with Young being questionable, Clint Capela (heel) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring soreness) are also doubtful. Tony Snell (ankle) is expected to play for the first time since April 9th. With Capela out, expect rookie Onyeka Okongwu to potentially get a rare start.

The Sixers were dealing with their own problems last week with Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid all missing time, but Doc Rivers now has a fully healthy roster. It’s perfect timing as they attempt at catching Brooklyn in first place.

Blazers vs Nets Projected Lineups

Blazers
VS
Nets
Damian Lillard PG Tyler Johnson
CJ McCollum SG Landry Shamet
Norman Powell SF Joe Harris
Robert Covington PF Alize Johnson
Jusuf Nurkic C Jeff Green

The Blazers are at full strength for a marquee matchup with the Nets. However, Brooklyn has their injuries. Kyrie Irving (groin) is expected to be doubtful after missing Thursday’s game, while Harden (hamstring), and Nicolas Claxton (COVID-19) remain out. Bruce Brown (knee) is probable for a return.

Bucks vs Bulls Projected Lineups

Bucks
VS
Bulls
Jrue Holiday PG Coby White
Donte DiVincenzo SG Garrett Temple
Khris Middleton SF Daniel Theis
P.J. Tucker PF Patrick Williams
Brook Lopez C Nikola Vucevic

Milwaukee will likely not rush Antetokounmpo back from a sprained ankle, so expect him to be out. Despite missing their star, the Bucks are healthy otherwise. For Chicago, Zach LaVine is still sidelined (COVID-19). Nikola Vucevic (hip) is probable.

Spurs vs Celtics Projected Lineups

Spurs
VS
Celtics
Dejounte Murray PG Tremont Waters
Devin Vassell SG Evan Fournier
Keldon Johnson SF Jaylen Brown
DeMar DeRozan PF Jayson Tatum
Jakob Poeltl C Tristan Thompson

For the Spurs, Derrick White (ankle) has been ruled out for the season after undergoing surgery, while Trey Lyles (ankle) remains sidelined. Boston is close to a clean bill of health. Kemba Walker (oblique) is the only player on the injury report. He is listed as questionable.

Wizards vs Cavaliers Projected Lineups

Wizards
VS
Cavaliers
Russell Westbrook PG Darius Garland
Raul Neto SG Isaac Okoro
Bradley Beal SF Cedi Osman
Rui Hachimura PF Kevin Love
Alex Len C Jarrett Allen

The surging Wizards are without Thomas Bryant (knee) and Deni Avdija (ankle), who are both out for the rest of the season. Cleveland on the other hand has numerous long-term absentees such as Larry Nance Jr, Taurean Prince, and Dylan Windler. Star guard Collin Sexton (concussion) is questionable for Friday’s game.

Magic vs Grizzlies Projected Lineups

Magic
VS
Grizzlies
Cole Anthony PG Ja Morant
Gary Harris SG De’Anthony Melton
James Ennis SF Dillon Brooks
Chuma Okeke PF Kyle Anderson
Wendell Carter C Jonas Valanciunas

The Orlando Magic continue to be without Otto Porter (foot) and Michael Carter-Williams (ankle). Terrence Ross is doubtful on Friday (back). Jaren Jackson Jr (injury management) will likely sit for the Grizzlies. Grayson Allen  (hand) is questionable, which could see De’Anthony Melton slide into the starting rotation.

Jazz vs Suns Projected Lineups

Jazz
VS
Suns
Joe Ingles PG Chris Paul
Royce O’Neale SG Devin Booker
Bojan Bogdanovic SF Mikal Bridges
Georges Niang PF Torrey Craig
Rudy Gobert C Deandre Ayton

The Utah backcourt is looking very thin, with Mike Conley (hamstring) and Donovan Mitchell (ankle) out. Conley re-aggravated a previous injury and missed Utah’s last game, although they still beat the Kings by 49 points.

The Suns just clinched a playoff spot for the first time in 10 years and don’t have too many injuries to worry about in this contest. Jae Crowder (ankle) is questionable for Friday, while Dario Saric (ankle) is probable.

Kings vs Lakers Projected Lineups

Kings
VS
Lakers
Tyrese Haliburton PG Dennis Schroder
Buddy Hield SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Moe Harkless SF Kyle Kuzma
Chimezie Metu PF Anthony Davis
Richaun Holmes C Andre Drummond

For the Kings, Harrison Barnes (groin) and De’Aaron Fox (COVID-19) are both ruled out. Marvin Bagley (hand) is expected to make a return on Friday after almost a month and a half on the shelf.

Lakers star LeBron James (ankle) continues to rehab. Jared Dudley (knee) is out, while Marc Gasol, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Davis, and Dennis Schroder are all probable.

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