(Ep029) NBA Injury Report - Playoff Edition: Joel Embiid (thumb), Khris Middleton (MCL), Devin Booker (hamstring) & Fred VanVleet (hip flexor).

Written By Phil White

The NBA playoffs are in full swing, but unfortunately for several teams, their chances of progressing have taken a hit. In  this injury roundup, former Lakers S&C coach Tim DiFrancesco (TD)  zeroes in on Devin Booker’s hamstring strain, Fred VanVleet’s hip flexor strain, Joel Embiid’s thumb ligament tear, and Khris Middleton’s MCL sprain. 

Listen as TD shares: 

  • How Embiid’s UCL tear might affect his game

  • What role Booker’s injury history plays in his latest hamstring issue

  • Why Khris Middleton’s return to play timeline is uncertain

  • What Raptors fans can expect to see with VanVleet’s possible playoff return

  • The differences between ligament sprains and muscle strains

  • Exercises to make muscles and connective tissues more resilient and reduce your injury risk


Stay dialed into the Basketball Strong for more playoff injury insights, and check out TD’s Instagram feed for preventative measures and rehab tips.

Phil White
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(Ep030) Why Do NBA Players Get Hurt During the Playoffs and How Can Anyone Improve their Durability?
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(Ep028) Byron Scott (Part 2): Mentoring a Young Kobe, Transitioning from Player to Coach, and the Hall of Fame Coaches Who Molded Him