The postseason injury blunder affected some of that NBAbut there is still time for the teams to regroup and get back to full strength ahead of the NBA Finals, which begins Thursday.
Here are all the injuries for the teams still in the hunt on Saturday.
STRONG HEAT
Tyler HerroEveryday (bar)
Herro has not played since Game 3 of the East Finals due to persistent left groin strain and is doubtful for Monday’s Game 7 eliminator.
“He’s definitely made progress but he’s not quite ready yet,” said head coach Erik Spoelstra on Friday.
Gave VincentEveryday (thigh)
Vincent was questionable for Friday’s sixth game but was able to dress despite an ongoing hamstring injury.
However, he only saw 17 minutes into Game 6 and wasn’t impactful – only recording two points, two assists and a steal. For game 7 he is questionable.
BOSTON CELTICS
Robert WilliamsEveryday (Knee)
Williams continues to struggle with knee pain but has only missed Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals so far. Since then, he’s averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 24 minutes.
For game 7 he is questionable.
Boston’s star defensive center has been struggling with knee problems for the past few months. He underwent surgery in March to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and didn’t return until Game 3 of the Celtics’ first-round playoff series against Brooklyn. His return only lasted five games as he suffered a bone contusion in the same knee in Game 3 of Boston’s second-round series against Milwaukee. Williams missed the last four games against the Bucks before being cleared for the first two games of that series in Miami.
Markus SmartEveryday (ankle)
Heat guard Smart missed Game 4 after spraining his right ankle in Game 3. He made a limited return to action in Game 5 before playing 40 minutes in Game 6, where he had 14 points and four rebounds.
For game 7 he is questionable.
Sam Hauseroff (shoulder)
Celtics forward Hauser has missed the last three games of this series with a shoulder problem and is absent.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Gary Payton IIOff (elbow)
Warriors guard Payton left Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals early after Dillon Brooks’ Flagrant 2 foul left him with an elbow injury that caused him to miss the final few games.
He’s staying out for now but is expected to return for the NBA Finals and could be ready as early as Game 1.
Otto Porter Jr.everyday (foot)
Warriors forward Porter left Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks early with a left foot injury and did not return. According to coach Steve Kerr, the X-rays were negative. He missed the last two games of the series, including Golden State’s win over Dallas in Game 5 on Thursday.
His status for Game 1 of the NBA Finals is unclear.
Andre Iguodalaout (throat)
Warriors forward Iguodala has missed several games with a disc injury in his neck and is absent.
“Iguodala…continues to show progress throughout his recovery process. His daily rehabilitation consists of both physical therapy/training in the weight room and light individual activities on the pitch. Participate in team exercise activities,” the team previously wrote.
Check back for more updates.
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