### Duke Basketball's Tyrese Proctor Returns Just in Time for Home Finale Duke basketball has been navigating a challenging season, particularly with injuries affecting key players. Junior guard Tyrese Proctor, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury, is making a significant return to the starting lineup for the Blue Devils' home finale against Wake Forest. This comeback is crucial as Duke aims to solidify its position in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings and prepare for the upcoming postseason. Proctor's absence was felt during recent games, but his return brings renewed hope for the team's performance as they close out the regular season [https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball/veteran-duke-basketball-starter-returns-injury-wake-forest-3-25]. ### Breakdown of Tyrese Proctor's Injury Timeline and Impact 1. **Injury Occurrence**: - Proctor suffered a left knee injury during a game against Miami on February 26, 2025, which led to him missing subsequent games, including a significant matchup against Florida State [https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-basketball/news-tyrese-proctor-injury-update-espn-insider-pete-thamel-drops-major-news-duke-star-s-availability]. 2. **Initial Diagnosis**: - Following the injury, Proctor was diagnosed with a bone bruise, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season [https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-basketball/duke-tyrese-proctor-injury-t86794]. 3. **Recovery and Return**: - After a brief recovery period, Proctor was cleared to return to the starting lineup just in time for the home finale against Wake Forest, indicating a positive trajectory in his rehabilitation [https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball/veteran-duke-basketball-starter-returns-injury-wake-forest-3-25]. 4. **Team Performance Without Proctor**: - During Proctor's absence, Duke managed to secure a victory against Florida State, showcasing the depth of their roster. However, his return is expected to enhance the team's overall performance as they head into the postseason [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/duke-basketball-gets-good-injury-231404077.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Proctor's Impact and Team Dynamics - **Proctor's Season Stats**: - Averaging **11.8 points per game** and shooting **40.8% from three-point range**, Proctor's contributions are vital for Duke's offensive strategy [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/reports_duke_g_tyrese_proctor_knee_out_vs_florida_state/s1_17048_41837866]. - **Team Performance Metrics**: - Duke's record stands at **25-3** with a **16-1** conference record, indicating a strong season despite injury setbacks [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_2_duke_rolls_at_miami_but_starting_g_tyrese_proctor_hurt/s1_17048_41818484]. ### Conclusion: Proctor's Return is a Game-Changer for Duke In summary, Tyrese Proctor's return to the Duke basketball lineup is a pivotal moment as the team approaches the end of the regular season. His presence is expected to bolster the Blue Devils' chances in the ACC tournament and beyond. 1. **Injury Recovery**: Proctor's swift recovery from a knee injury demonstrates his resilience and the effectiveness of the team's medical staff. 2. **Team Dynamics**: His return will likely enhance Duke's offensive capabilities, which were tested during his absence. 3. **Future Outlook**: With Proctor back in the lineup, Duke is poised to make a strong push in the postseason, aiming for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Duke fans can look forward to seeing Proctor back on the court, contributing to the team's success as they aim for championship glory [https://www.si.com/college/duke/basketball/veteran-duke-basketball-starter-returns-injury-wake-forest-3-25].