NBA 2022-23: 5 Injury Storylines to Track Early This Season

Lakers Injury Bug Continues to Start Season

The Lakers are without Dennis Schroder for the opening month of the season, but Russell Westbrook is expected to play opening night against the Warriors. Schroder underwent thumb surgery on Monday to repair his UCL and will reportedly miss 3-4 weeks. Westbrook missed the end of the preseason with a strained left hamstring and may play limited minutes in the opener. 

New addition Patrick Beverley could see increased minutes at the start of the season with those two injuries. Kendrick Nunn, who missed last season with a bone bruise in his right knee, could also be an option off the bench. 

Khris Middleton Still Recovering From Wrist Surgery

In mid-July, the Pro Basketball Docs detailed why Middleton would not be ready to start the year. The Bucks’ All-Star guard underwent surgery in July on a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist. His recovery will likely stretch into early November and the Bucks have no reason to rush him back. 

Middleton suffered the injury in last year’s playoffs, prior to the second-round elimination from the Celtics. Pat Connaughton, who would likely see increased minutes in place of Middleton, is out the first three weeks of the season with a right calf strain.

Jalen Suggs Out to Start Season

The second-year Gonzaga alum suffered a left knee injury in early October that will likely sideline him six weeks. The Pro Basketball Docs expect he will return in late November or early December, depending on how quick he can get up to speed. 

Suggs missed time last season after undergoing right ankle surgery. He finished the year averaging 11.8 points on 36.1% shooting with 3.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Still Weeks Away After Foot Surgery

The Grizzlies big man underwent offseason surgery on a stress fracture in his right foot and will miss the start of the year. He has been putting in limited shooting work, but has yet to play 5-on-5. Jackson likely had surgery on a Jones fracture, which carries a typical recovery timeline of four-to-six months. 

The end of October marks the start of the four months and he should return at some point in November if all goes well. Until then, look for Brandon Clarke and rookie Santi Aldama to play increased roles.

Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray Back for Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets won 48 games last season without star point guard Jamal Murray and without star forward Michael Porter Jr. Both are healthy to start the season, although both will likely need time to round into playing shape. 

Porter has not played in a game since aggravating his back injury last November. The hope is he can get through the season without further back issues, but he will be eased into action. Murray has not played since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in April 2021.