Basketball Injury Report: Sabonis Progresses, Magbegor Cleared for 5-on-5, and Lendeborg Fully Healthy

Across the global basketball landscape, late June brings a wave of optimistic injury updates. From NBA veterans and incoming rookies to WNBA stars and international imports, several key players are hitting crucial milestones in their rehabilitation journeys.[1][2]

In Sacramento, the Kings are receiving highly encouraging news regarding their franchise center, Domantas Sabonis. The Lithuanian big man was limited to just 19 games during the 2025-26 NBA season after suffering a severe meniscus tear in November, forcing him into a lengthy and grueling recovery process.[2]

On June 17, basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis provided a public update on his son's condition, confirming that Domantas is officially back on his feet. "He is already walking," the elder Sabonis noted, adding that the recovery is proceeding "according to plan, maybe even better." While acknowledging that the rehabilitation is inherently "slow and long," the Kings remain highly optimistic about his trajectory for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.[2]

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors breathed a sigh of relief regarding their newly drafted first-round pick, Yaxel Lendeborg. The versatile forward had suffered an ankle sprain and a left knee bone bruise—which he compared to an MCL sprain—during Michigan's triumphant NCAA championship run, raising immediate questions about his offseason availability.[1]

During his introductory press conference in late June, Lendeborg put those concerns to rest. He confirmed that the injuries took approximately four weeks to heal, but he is now "fully healthy." He is officially cleared to participate in the upcoming California Classic and the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he will begin his professional career with a locker situated directly next to franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry.[1]

In the WNBA, the Seattle Storm are welcoming back a vital piece of their frontcourt rotation. Center Ezi Magbegor, who sustained a right foot injury in April, has officially progressed to full-contact, 5-on-5 on-court work.

Initially handed a six-to-eight-week recovery timetable, the 26-year-old is now considered week-to-week by the Storm's medical staff. Her return to full-contact practice is a significant milestone, and the franchise anticipates her anchoring the paint again shortly as they navigate the demanding midseason grind.

Elsewhere in the WNBA, the Indiana Fever are taking a proactive, health-first approach with superstar guard Caitlin Clark. Clark exited a June 24 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury with an aggravated back injury after taking a hard foul while shooting a three-pointer.[3]

Rather than pushing through the lingering soreness that has landed her on the injury report for much of the season, the Fever officially ruled her out for their subsequent contest against the Los Angeles Sparks. Head coach Stephanie White emphasized that the team is prioritizing Clark's "long-term health and wellness," using a gap in the schedule to ensure she receives proper treatment and returns to the floor at 100 percent.[3]

The Dallas Wings also received a timely boost, with veteran Alysha Clark listed as probable and expected to return to the rotation following a three-game absence due to a left leg injury.[6]

Meanwhile, the expansion Toronto Tempo issued hopeful timelines for two of their sidelined guards. Rookie Kiki Rice, dealing with a Grade 3 ankle sprain, and veteran Brittney Sykes, recovering from a plantar fascia injury, are both slated to be reevaluated in the coming weeks.[4]

The Tempo's medical staff expects both players to make full recoveries and return to the hardwood before the 2026 WNBA season concludes. Their eventual return will provide a much-needed boost to a Toronto roster that has been heavily depleted by early-season health setbacks.[4]

On the international stage, former NBA forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is nearing a highly anticipated return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The three-time Best Import suffered a severe Achilles injury while playing for Meralco in the East Asia Super League last December, an injury that kept him out of the previous PBA conference.[5]

Now five months post-surgery, Hollis-Jefferson reported that he is running, lightly jumping, and doing non-contact court work. He is targeting a return to the TNT Tropang Giga lineup between September and October for the Season 50 Governors' Cup, aiming to help the franchise defend its title with his signature two-way play.[5]

Whether it involves a cautious week of rest for a lingering back issue or the final stages of a grueling months-long Achilles rehab, these updates highlight the rigorous physical demands placed on professional basketball players. As the summer progresses, fans across the NBA, WNBA, and international leagues can look forward to seeing these stars back in action, fully cleared and ready to compete.[1][2][5]