Some Teams Will Struggle with Player Injuries at the Start of the Season

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Some Teams Will Struggle with Player Injuries at the Start of the Season

As is customary in every NBA season, the 2024-25 campaign begins with several teams missing their most important players. The severity of these injuries could be crucial in determining the playoff fate of at least some of these teams, considering how competitive the league has become.

The major news network ESPN projects that 19 teams will finish with records above .500, and at least 17 teams have more than a 50% chance of winning a playoff series. These projections suggest another exciting season in the NBA, where final standings and play-in matchups could be decided on the very last day of the season, April 13, 2025.

Here are five players whose injuries could make a difference in the season for their respective teams.

Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)

Estimated return date: First week of December

Estimated games missed: 20

The Latvian giant underwent surgery for an ankle injury suffered in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The good news for Boston is that Porzingis has been traveling with the team, even making the trip to Abu Dhabi for two preseason games.

Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City Thunder )

Estimated return date: First week of December

Estimated games missed: 20

OKC’s new acquisition suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand during a preseason game. He is expected to be re-evaluated in five weeks, meaning he is unlikely to return before December. Although Chet Holmgren is at center, Hartenstein’s absence could complicate things for the Thunder, which needs to quickly regain its strength under the basket.

Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers)

Estimated return date: Indefinite

Estimated games missed: N/A

Clippers fans have reason to worry again, as their perpetually injured star remains unable to play. Leonard has not been the same since his ACL tear in 2021 and a subsequent meniscus injury in the 2023 playoffs. Although there was optimism on media day, that enthusiasm quickly faded when he missed all preseason games and was ruled out indefinitely.

Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Estimated return date: Third week of November

Estimated games missed: 12

A key member of the 2021 championship team, Middleton has become increasingly injury-prone since his MCL tear in the 2022 playoffs. After missing 88 games over the last two seasons, he underwent surgeries on both ankles this summer. While he was expected to return for the preseason finale, he was ruled out, though there is optimism about his imminent return.

Mitchell Robinson (New York Knicks)

Estimated return date: First week of January

Estimated games missed: 30+

The shot-blocking standout underwent ankle surgery in May. Although there had been talk of a return by December, reports indicate that Robinson will miss the rest of the calendar year while he continues rehab. Despite his absence, the Knicks have a solid center rotation to maintain competitiveness.

Other Key Injured Players Entering the Season:

Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans): Hamstring (Estimated return: first week of November)

Jarred Vanderbilt (Los Angeles Lakers): Foot (Estimated return: first week of November)

Dante Exum (Dallas Mavericks): Wrist (Estimated return: second week of January)

Shaedon Sharpe (Portland Blazers): Shoulder (Estimated return: first week of November)

GG Jackson II (Memphis Grizzlies): Foot (Estimated return: second week of December)

All these injuries, some involving very important players, could determine in the near future whether these teams will be able to contend for a playoff spot and how their NBA ODDS stack up against the new challenges from other clubs.