Pistons star Jaden Ivey among five injuries that could alter the season

The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. It was so bad that members of the athletic training staff held up towels to block the crowd's view before Ivey was eventually loaded onto a stretcher.

This has been a career year for the third-year player out of Purdue. Ivey is averaging 17.6 PPG and 4.1 RPG, both career bests. Ivey is second on the team to Cade Cunningham (23.8 PPG).

After winning four of their last five games, Ivey's injury presents a lot of challenges for a Pistons team that seems to be turning things around. Detroit is going to need players like Malik Beasley (16.2 PPG), Tobias Harris (12.9 PPG) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (10.1 PPG) to step up in Ivey's absence.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left calf strain, out for at least one month)

After suffering a left calf strain on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Doncic has been sidelined since. As of now, his estimated return date is scheduled for Feb. 2.

Since Doncic suffered the injury, Dallas has gone 1-3 and lost three straight games. 

Aside from Kyrie Irving (24.3 PPG), no one on the team comes close to the superstar Doncic (28.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 7.8 APG). 

Without him, the Mavericks (20-14) are going to have a long road ahead of them until he returns.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (right shoulder sprain, week-to-week)

Morant has been out since suffering a Grade 1 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 27.

While Morant's injury is less severe than Ivey and Doncic, any time he misses is critical for the Grizzlies. Memphis has split the two games Morant has missed up to this point and currently sits at 23-11, which is second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.

According to TeamRankings, the Grizzlies lead the NBA in points per game (123.2 PPG), so the firepower is there. With Morant second on the team in scoring (21.2 PPG), the team's leading-scorer Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.1 PPG) will have an increased workload as Memphis tries to maintain without their star player.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique, week-to-week)

Banchero has battled a torn right oblique throughout the season, having missed 28 of the Magic's 33 games.

In the five games he has appeared in, Banchero has averaged 29 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

Despite the limited starts, Banchero has been excellent and a major reason why Orlando (20-15) has the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

Magic forward Franz Wagner (torn right oblique, estimated return date Jan. 15)

Wagner suffered a torn right oblique during a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 6. At the time of the injury, Wagner was reportedly going to be re-evaluated in four weeks, which puts Jan. 15 as a potential return date for the fourth-year player.

Banchero might be Orlando's leading scorer, but Wagner has been just as important to the team's success. Wagner's 24.4 points per game are second to Banchero.

Taking on an increased role with Banchero out of action, Wagner led the Magic to six straight wins from Nov. 21-Dec. 1. Since Wagner's injury against Philadelphia, the Magic have gone 4-6.

With both of their star players missing time, the Magic need at least one of them back on the court soon if they are going to be legitimate contenders.