NBA Injury Roundup: Popovich is in serious condition Gordon will be out for several weeks with a calf strain

On November 6, Beijing time, Shams of the Athletic updated some of the injury status in the league. Spurs coach Popovich is in serious condition, Bucks star Middleton will remain out indefinitely, and Nuggets forward Gordon will be out for several weeks with a right calf strain. In addition, according to NBA official information, Embiid was banned by the league for 3 games.

Popovich is in serious condition

Previously, a journalist reported that Popovich was not a big problem and just needed a break, but Shams pointed out that things are not that simple.

"I was told it was a health problem, and a serious health problem. Popovich needs medical care in San Antonio, and it's not yet known when Bobo will be back in charge, and everyone is worried about his health," Shams said on the show, "Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has served as interim head coach, and Johnson has been in the final stages of the Wizards' coach selection, only to lose to Brian Keefe in the end. ”

Popovich has been head coach of the Spurs for 29 seasons and is the longest-serving active coach of the four major professional sports leagues in North America. In 2020, he became the oldest coach in NBA history to open a game, when he was 72 years old.

On April 18, 2018, Popovich's wife, Irene, died at the age of 67 after a long battle with respiratory diseases. In July 2023, Popovich signed a five-year, $80 million contract extension with the Spurs, increasing his annual salary to $16 million, making him the highest-paid NBA coach at the time. Popovich led the Spurs to 1,391 wins and five NBA championships.

Gordon will be out for several weeks with a calf strain

Shams reports that the Nuggets have taken a hit, with forward Aaron Gordon set to be out for several weeks with a right calf strain. He was injured in the last game against the Raptors, and at present, Nuggets guard Murray is in a concussion protection agreement, and Gordon's injury is another big blow for the Nuggets.

Gordon signed a four-year, $133 million contract extension with the Nuggets before the regular season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game this season, while shooting 54.5 percent from three-point range, ranking 10th in the league among players who have made at least 20 three-point attempts.

The Nuggets didn't start the season well, with only a 4-3 record. Gordon's absence means that players such as Jokic and Wei Shao have to take on more offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Middleton remains indefinitely suspended

The Bucks are 1-6 and have the same record as the Jazz and are at the bottom of the league. The bad news for them is that Middleton will remain out of action indefinitely.

Shams said on the show: "He (Middleton) hasn't been allowed to play 5-on-5 matches. Team officials have realised it's been longer than they expected to recuperate. ”

Last season, Middleton played in 55 games for the Bucks, averaging 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. The Bucks are 18-9 in the 27 games he missed. However, the Bucks have had a sluggish start to the season and urgently need more players to step up, and the absence of Middleton at this time is obviously a big blow.

Brother Alphabet also missed the last game due to injury, and perhaps the next Bucks can only rely on Lillard to support them. The team's record is not good, and the coach's life will not be easy, and there are already reporters who have suggested firing Rivers. After all, since Rivers took over last season, the team has a record of just 18 wins and 25 losses.

Richards cartilage fracture

The Hornets announced a fracture of the cartilage of the first rib below the right clavicle of Richards, which was evaluated every other week. He was injured against the Green Army and is currently averaging 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.

Embiid was suspended for three games and his return was delayed

Amick reports that Embiid has recently started a five-on-five training session and has done a lot of training before the Suns game and will also participate in individual training in Los Angeles today to lay the groundwork for the upcoming game. If he hadn't been suspended for three games by the league (the journalist push), Embiid would have been able to play against the Clippers. Embiid is on the court for the first time this season, and is expected to face the Knicks as early as Nov. 13. He didn't play in the 76ers' preseason games and first six regular-season games this season.

It also means that the 76ers' Big Three will not be able to make their combined debut tomorrow. It was also George's first time playing against his old club since leaving the Clippers. According to the latest news, the Clippers have prepared a tribute video for George.