Key Injuries Ahead of New NBA Season

It’s getting to be the time of year when fans can start to get excited about the start of a new NBA season. The start of preseason games is almost here and will soon be followed by the regular season. Unfortunately, not all players will be healthy and available for the start of the season, including some who may not suit up at all this season. With some big stars on the mend, it’s worth checking in with some of the NBA’s key injuries heading into the start of the 2025-26 season.

Jayson Tatum

Tatum tore his Achilles tendon during the playoffs last season, ending Boston’s hopes of repeating as NBA champs. Even worse, he’s expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 season as well. He could return in April, but without him, the Celtics won’t be considered Eastern Conference favorites. Even betting on Boston to make the playoffs could be considered a stretch. If you are planning to bet on the NBA this season, there are many sportsbooks available, all offering welcome bonuses to new customers. Fortunately, there is a guide to free bet codes and offers to help you determine the sportsbook and offer that’s the best fit for you.

Tyrese Haliburton

Haliburton is in the same boat as Tatum. He tore his Achilles tendon during the NBA Finals last spring, preventing the Pacers from having a realistic chance to knock off the Thunder. Like Tatum, Haliburton will miss most or all of the upcoming season. Without him, not only will the Pacers be a serious underdog to get back to the NBA Finals, but just getting to the playoffs will be a challenge.

Damian Lillard

Lillard rounds out the trio of superstars who tore their Achilles tendons during the playoffs last season. After the injury, the Bucks waived him, with Lillard signing with the Trail Blazers, the team that originally drafted him in 2012. Of course, he won’t be much help to Portland this season, as Lillard is unlikely to play during the 2025-26 campaign.

Dejounte Murray

The likes of Tatum, Haliburton, and Lillard could all be watching Murray closely. He tore his Achilles tendon last January, abruptly ending his season after 31 games. There is still no firm timetable for his return. Unless he’s able to return to the court before January 2026, it could put a damper on any lingering hope that Tatum, Haliburton, or Lillard have of playing this season.

Darius Garland

Garland was battling a toe injury during the playoffs last season. He underwent surgery on the toe in June with a four-to-five-month recovery timeline. Fortunately, his recovery won’t spill over too much into the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Garland is likely to miss at least the early part of the regular season.

Max Strus

Strus gives Cleveland a second injured starter to worry about. He was sidelined for six weeks at the start of last season because of an ankle injury and is in a similar position this season. In late August, Strus had surgery to address a fracture in his foot. If he heals quickly, Strus could be back in early December. However, the injury could keep him out even longer, meaning the Cavs will have to survive a chunk of the season without both Garland and Strus.

Kyrie Irving

Unlike some of the other star players mentioned, Irving got hurt before the playoffs last season. He tore his ACL in March, contributing to the Mavericks getting knocked out in the play-in tournament. Otherwise, Dallas could have been a favorite in the Western Conference Playoffs last season. This year, the Mavs will have to keep looking for ways to survive without Irving, who isn’t expected back until at least January.

Zach Edey

There were some skeptics of the 7’4” Edey ahead of his rookie season. But he managed to be a factor for the Grizzlies, even making the All-Rookie First Team. Unfortunately, Edey underwent ankle surgery in June and will be re-evaluated after four months. Even if he heals quickly, Edey is likely to miss some games early in the season.

Tyler Herro

In September, Herro required ankle surgery to address an impingement. With an eight-week timeline for recovery, Herro won’t be ready to return to the court until mid-November. That means missing at least a dozen games at the start of the season, which is terrible news for Miami after Herro led the team in points and assists last season.

Thomas Sorber

The Thunder won’t have the services of Sorber, their first-round pick, as they attempt to repeat as NBA champs. The big man out of Georgetown tore his ACL while participating in offseason workouts in early September. That means Sorber will have to wait until the 2026-27 campaign to play his rookie season. While it’s not a huge blow for the defending champs, Sorber could have potentially provided depth behind Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.