NBA Notes: Pistons, Jaden Ivey, Kings, Domantas Sabonis, Sixers

Ivey, who has been rehabbing a broken fibula, has progressed to “weight-bearing strengthening exercises, running progression activity, and stationary shooting,” the Pistons’ public relations department announced in a tweet. The next update on his rehabilitation will come in four weeks. With the regular season ending on April 13, it appears unlikely Ivey will return before then.

In the previous update from February 6, Ivey had transitioned to a walking boot and had started light weight-bearing activity.

While there remains a slim possibility for Ivey to return if the Pistons make a deep playoff run, it is widely anticipated that his season is now over. Ivey underwent surgery on January 2 after sustaining the injury when Magic guard Cole Anthony fell on his left leg while the two were battling for a loose ball.

Kings

Standout center Domantas Sabonis could return to the lineup when the Kings visit the Warriors on Thursday, per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. The Kings will likely need him as they face a Warriors team that has been among the NBA’s best since acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade with the Heat.

The Warriors (37-28) are currently sixth in the Western Conference, riding a five-game win streak and have won 12 of their last 14 games. They are narrowly ahead of the Timberwolves for the final automatic playoff spot in the West.

Meanwhile, the Kings (33-31) sit in ninth place, 3.5 games behind Golden State. Sacramento holds a 1.5-game lead over the Mavericks and is four games ahead of the Suns in the play-in race.

76ers

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse admitted to growing weary of the constant injury reports that marred his team’s promising season, speaking candidly to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

“It was really, really difficult at times,” Nurse said. “What made it most difficult is when you’d actually go on a run and think you’re making some progress, and then you get hit again (with another injury).”

Nurse recounted one particular moment when his optimism was crushed by yet another setback.

“I remember having one really good win, I can’t remember who it was against, and after the game — I always get a report from the medical team — and he came in and I was like ‘please just let me get to the next game, we just played really good.’ And he’s like, ‘uh, I don’t know what to tell you.’ You kept thinking you were going to get these guys back… and guys kept going down.”

• In case you missed it, the 76ers will look to trade forward Paul George this offseason, a source told Hoops Wire. Check out the full story right here.