5 NBA players aiming to return from injury for 2024 Playoffs ft. Joel Embiid

The NBA playoffs are quickly approaching, causing teams to work tirelessly to secure spots in the postseason. However, numerous playoff contenders are facing setbacks due to injuries that have sidelined their key players. Due to the crucial role these players play on their teams, their chances of making it to the playoffs diminish without them.

With only a few games left in the season for every team, a number of key players are focused on making their comeback. Additionally, based on the most recent injury reports, their return appears increasingly likely.

Keeping this in mind, here is a compilation of five players who are striving to make a comeback before the end of the current NBA playoffs.

5 NBA Players on the Road to Recovery for the 2024 Playoffs

#1 Top Pick: Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram’s presence is crucial for the success of the New Orleans Pelicans this season. The team’s ability to advance in the postseason will ultimately rely on whether or not Ingram is able to play in the playoffs.

Despite missing the last five games due to a knee injury, Ingram received good news from head coach Willie Green that he is performing a full-court workout and will be making his return soon.

With only eight games remaining in their regular season, the Pelicans currently hold the 6th spot in the standings below the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to his injury, Ingram had been averaging 20.9 points on 49% field goal shooting, with a 35.6% success rate from beyond the three-point line.

#2: The Rise of Trae Young

Despite Trae Young being the driving force behind the Atlanta Hawks’ achievements in both the regular season and playoffs, the team also has the reliable Dejounte Murray who can step up and lead them against tough opponents. Most recently, Murray led the Hawks to a series of victories, including two against the formidable Boston Celtics.

Despite suffering a ligament tear in his pinky finger of his left hand on Feb 23, Young has been unable to play. While there is currently no set timeline for his return, there is a strong belief that the Hawks’ star player will be back before the NBA postseason.

The Hawks currently hold the 10th spot with a 34-40 record and are 5.5 games ahead of the 11th-seed Brooklyn Nets. It is highly probable that the Hawks will participate in the Play-In Tournament.

#3 Joel “The Process”Embiid

Despite being sidelined since his injury against the Golden State Warriors on Jan 30, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid remains the most highly anticipated return among the big players before the playoffs. Following a knee surgery on Feb 6, he has yet to make his comeback on the court.

There is a growing sense of hope within the NBA that the current MVP will make a comeback before the playoffs. He has been spotted practicing his skills in the gym. Prior to his injury, Embiid was maintaining an average of 35 points per game throughout the season.

#4 Turkish Basketball Prodigy: Alperen Sengün

Despite their recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Houston Rockets had been on an 11-game winning streak. In the past month, they have been considered one of the top teams in the NBA, along with the Mavericks. It is worth noting that the Rockets achieved this impressive streak without the contribution of Alperen Sengün, one of their key players.

Despite suffering a knee injury while trying to block Damontas Sabonis in a game against the Sacramento Kings, Sengün was initially expected to be out for the remainder of the season due to the possibility of needing surgery. As a result, he has been unable to play since.

Based on the most recent updates, the center for the Rockets is on track for a quick recovery and hoping to rejoin the team for the playoffs. Nevertheless, in the event that the Rockets do not secure a spot in the postseason, he will have to delay his return until the following NBA season.

#5: Tyler Herro’s NBA Career

Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, Tyler Herro remains a crucial player for the Miami Heat’s success in the NBA. The 2022 Sixth Man of The Year for the NBA has not been on the court for the Heat since Feb 23 due to a foot injury.

Despite not having a specific timeline for his return from injury, there is increasing optimism that Herro will be able to come back before the playoffs due to his positive response to treatments.

The Miami Heat, currently ranked 7th in the Eastern Conference, is participating in the Play-In Tournament. Herro stated that he had a successful workout, but that he would not be making a return anytime soon.