The NBA playoffs are just around the corner, and while some teams are using the last few games to get into condition for tougher tests ahead, other teams are anxious because of injuries to key players.
Many playoff contenders' medical are racing against time to have their superstars back in game shape as they expect the postseason to be extra physical and extra grinding.
The NBA's last game day is Sunday, April 12, while the Play-in phase kicks off Wednesday, April 16.
The official start of the NBA 2024 playoffs is on April 20.
The 82-game season could be taxing on players, especially those who are there almost every game for their teams.
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Some players are prone to injury, which is a bummer since they are also the main reason they are among the contenders this season.
Top 5 players whose status for the NBA 2024 playoff is closely monitored:
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Expected to be out until April 20
The Milwaukee Bucks superstar went down in the game against the Boston Celtics and was diagnosed with left soleus strain after an immediate MRI.
The team confirmed that he will miss the last regular season games and will be available only by April 20, just in time for the playoffs.
When asked if Giannis will be ready for the playoffs, head coach Doc Rivers has this to say:
"Yeah. I'm hoping. I mean, I don't know, I'm just hoping, so..."
Kawhi Leonard - Game time decision
After suffering from a right knee inflammation, the Klaw has missed six straight games for the LA Clippers.
The team's playoffs opponent is confirmed to be the Dallas Mavericks, the third time they will meet in the last five years.
Leonard is playing his best year so far in terms of number of games played at 68. That is the most number of games he's played since the 2016-2017 season when he was present for 74 games.
Karl Anthony Towns - Game time decision
The Minnesota Timberwolves were on a roll in the first half of the season but had to suffer a little after losing Karl Anthony Towns to a meniscus injury in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 4.
He was cleared for full contact ahead of the important game against the Denver Nuggets.
The defeat allowed the Nuggets to overtake them in the No. 1 in Western Conference standing.
KAT may play against the Atlanta Hawks, which they can use to test his game shape ahead of the playoffs.
Julius Randle - Out for the season
The New York Knicks are having their best season right now, and they are doing it without All-Star Julius Randle, who is rehabbing a shoulder injury.
He last played a game on February 28, averaging 24.8 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
He was shut down for the season in April to undergo surgery.
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby are trying to hold it together and are looking to surprise this season.
Brandon Ingram - Game time decision
Ingram, who has been out since March 22, is a game-time decision.
He has been joining practice, but it remains unknown whether he will be able to attend the New Orleans Pelicans' remaining regular-season games against the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Pelicans won't be able to use these last two games to practice, though, as they are still not assured of a sixth spot or instant playoff seeding.
Related article: Bucks Announce Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Be Out for the Rest of the Regular Season, Provides Recovery Timeline
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