According to a source, Jarred Vanderbilt of the Lakers is aiming to make his return in Game 3.
DENVER -- Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, sidelined since Feb. 1 because of a right midfoot sprain, is targeting a return as soon as Game 3 of Los Angeles' first-round series against the Denver Nuggets, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.
Vanderbilt has been ramping up his on-court workouts in the past two weeks, the source told ESPN, and participated in one of his most intense workouts yet Monday morning at Ball Arena.
Vanderbilt's availability will be determined based on how his body responds in the coming days leading up to Thursday's Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Both Vanderbilt and Lakers backup big man Christian Wood have not been cleared to return as of Monday, a team source told ESPN, however L.A. remains "hopeful" it could have both players back against Denver.
Wood has been sidelined since Feb. 14 because of his left knee, which required arthroscopic surgery in March.
"We'll see how he responds to what he did today," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said when asked about Vanderbilt's morning workout. "And still, nothing is going to change in terms of new information. It's just a day-by-day thing. And so we have to see how he tolerates the recovery process. He exerted himself at a pretty high level today. So we'll see how he feels tomorrow. We'll just keep going day by day."
Known for his defensive impact, the 25-year-old Vanderbilt was in one of the best offensive grooves of his career prior to suffering the injury nearly three months ago in the first half of a game against the Boston Celtics.
In Vanderbilt's last eight games before hurting his foot, he averaged 10.5 points on 66% shooting, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals. And in the last six of those games, Vanderbilt averaged 11.3 points -- the highest points per game average over a six-game stretch in his six-year career, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.
Magic's Jalen Suggs returns to Game 2 after injuring knee
CLEVELAND -- Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs was able to return to Monday night's Game 2 at Cleveland after being carried off the court in the first quarter with a left knee strain.
Suggs was injured with 4:02 remaining in the opening period of Orlando's 96-86 loss, when his left knee made contact with Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell's left leg as Suggs attempted to steal the ball.
Suggs immediately fell to the ground, and the Magic called timeout to check on him.
As his teammates stood around him, Suggs continuously shook his head. After being checked by team trainers, Suggs needed help getting off the court, unable to put any weight on his left leg and walk off on his own power.
The Magic initially said Suggs' return was questionable, but he was back on the floor to start the second half with a sleeve on his leg.
He finished with 9 points and sparked a rally in the fourth quarter as the Magic scored 13 straight to pull within 87-78. Mitchell, though, checked back in and scored two quick baskets to restore order for the Cavs, who lead the Magic 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
"It takes the wind out of your team when our head of the snake on defense goes down," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. "He was in quite a bit of pain when he returned, so we'll evaluate him when we get back home."
Suggs did not seem to be in any pain following the game, and was confident he'd be good to go in Game 3.
"I'm good," he said. "I was able to finish. It will be cool to get back home and get treatment for a couple of days. We play Thursday at 7 p.m. and I'll be ready."
Suggs is Orlando's third-leading scorer, averaging 12.6 points on 47.1% field goal shooting during the regular season. He's also the team's best 3-point shooter and top defensive guard.
Information from The Associated Press was included in this report.
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