NBA Injury Roundup for Week December 8th

The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. Every week brings new twists in the ongoing battle between talent and durability. From nagging soreness to major setbacks, injuries shape rotations, influence playoff hopes, and redefine team dynamics across the league. Each week, Sports Injury Central breaks down the latest updates, timelines, and recovery outlooks for players around the association, providing expert insight into how health trends could impact both the short-term box scores and the long-term championship picture.

Victor Wembenyama - San Antonio Spurs

Wembanyama has been sidelined by a calf strain since Nov. 14, but he's been traveling with the Spurs on their current road trip and is closing in on a return. Final clearance on his status was expected to be determined following Friday's practice, though San Antonio has officially listed the superstar big man as probable on its injury report.

Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns

Booker is pushing to return to the floor for Sunday's game against the Lakers. The superstar guard has missed three straight contests with a groin strain, though the Suns upgraded him to questionable before ultimately ruling him out ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Thunder.

Austin Reaves - Los Angeles Lakers

Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. It's unclear when Reaves picked up the calf injury, though he'll miss at least the next week because of it. With the 27-year-old guard sidelined, Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia and Gabe Vincent are likely to see increased playing time, while Nick Smith and Bronny James are candidates to enter the rotation.

Dereck Lively - Dallas Mavericks

Lively is slated to undergo season-ending surgery in the coming days to address lingering discomfort in his right foot. Lively sought multiple opinions on his foot since suffering a setback in his last appearance Nov. 21, but doctors determined that surgery was the best course of action. The 21-year-old is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Marcus Smart - Los Angeles Lakers

Smart will miss his sixth straight game Sunday due to a left lumbar muscle strain, but he seems to be trending towards a return. Head coach JJ Redick noted that while Smart remains day-to-day, the team hopes to have him back for Wednesday's game against the Spurs.

Herbert Jones - New Orleans Pelicans

Jones has been upgraded to questionable and could snap an eight-game absence due to a right calf strain. Jones has averaged 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals in 30.0 minutes per game over his last five appearances, though he could face restrictions if he's cleared to return.

Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

The star point guard, who had been sidelined with a calf injury, received a doubtful tag for the first time since his return. This suggests that he may be nearing a return to the court. His next chance to play will be on Friday against the Jazz.

Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors

Curry hasn’t played since November 26 due to a left quadriceps contusion. However, there’s a glimmer of hope as the team is optimistic about a potential return for Friday’s game against the Timberwolves. Curry could resume practicing with the team as early as Wednesday, when the Warriors return home from their three-game road trip. Golden State is expected to provide an update on Curry’s status by Thursday night at the latest.

Dillon Brooks - Phoenix Suns

Brooks is being listed as questionable for Monday's matchup with Minnesota with an ankle injury. Brooks tweaked his ankle during Friday's loss to Houston, and now he's in jeopardy of missing Monday's game.

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