The NBA has never been more competitive, with star talent spread across nearly every franchise and championship windows opening and closing faster than ever before. But still, more than ever, injuries continue to shape the league’s landscape.
In an era where players are bigger, faster, and stronger than ever, the physical toll of an 82-game season combined with year-round training has led to some of the game’s brightest stars missing significant time.
We see that right now, as there are 11 NBA stars we have to highlight who are injured and will miss significant time. Is it down to today’s fast-paced style of play, or is training too closely monitored to where players might not be in the shape they think they are? Whatever the case may be, let’s go through the top 11 stars who are on the injury list.
Jayson Tatum
Injury: Torn Left Achilles Tendon
Potential Recovery Time: 12 Months
Superstar Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon late in Game 4 of Boston’s Eastern Conference semifinal against the Knicks in May 2025, after diving for a loose ball. He underwent surgery soon thereafter, and the Celtics confirmed the worst: a season-ending injury that typically demands a full year of rehab.
That said, Tatum has not formally ruled out a return during the 2025-26 campaign, though he emphasizes he won’t push back too early and wants to be 100 percent before rejoining the court. We think Tatum should probably miss the entire season and allow Jaylen Brown to hold down the fort with at least a playoff appearance as their goal.
Considering how the Celtics have “blown up” their championship roster, it seems that there isn’t a rush for Tatum to get back on the court. Hopefully, we see the All-NBA star in action again once he is 100% healthy and ready to go after another ring.
2. Tyrese Haliburton
Injury: Torn Right Achilles Tendon
Potential Recovery Time: 12 Months
In Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon early in the contest. Indiana later confirmed he would miss the entire 2025-26 season to recover from the injury. Similar to Tatum, Haliburton’s rehabilitation will require at least 9-12 months, and we hope he doesn’t rush back until 100% healthy.
Haliburton has voiced confidence in the recovery process and maintained that his resolve remains strong, even as Indiana’s championship window shifts without his presence. The Pacers will have to lean more heavily on depth and continuity next season, hoping to bolster the roster upon the return of their franchise player.
3. Kyrie Irving
Injury: Torn Left ACL
Potential Recovery Time: 5-6 Months
Superstar Kyrie Irving tore his left ACL on March 3, 2025, against the Sacramento Kings, ending his season and casting significant doubt on his availability for 2025-26, although we think he will make a return by the New Year. He has since undergone surgery and entered a rigorous rehab program, with the hopes of getting back to the court soon.
Still, the nature of ACL healing, especially for a veteran reliant on change-of-direction, burst, and agility, makes timing tricky. Irving will likely not rush back until fully confident in his knee’s stability and function because another wrong move could be the unfortunate end of a veteran’s career. Once Irving makes it back, though, he has an exciting roster to work with in Dallas.
4. Damian Lillard
Injury: Torn Left Achilles Tendon
Potential Recovery Time: 12 Months
Damian Lillard’s 2025 season was cut short by compounding health issues. He battled a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf earlier, then, toward postseason play, ruptured his left Achilles tendon. The Achilles injury was confirmed via MRI, unfortunately, and surgery followed.
Given standard Achilles repair recovery timelines and his age, Lillard is widely expected to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season. It has been reported that Dame will take his time during the rehab process as he settles back in Portland, hoping to spend time with family and get back to his beloved Trail Blazers situation as soon as possible.
5. Darius Garland
Injury: Left Big Toe Strain (Surgery)
Potential Recovery Time: 2 Months
Darius Garland was dealing with a nagging big toe strain and finally got it addressed with surgery last season, ruling him out for a while and eventually getting it surgically addressed in June. He missed four playoff games, and the Cavaliers certainly felt his absence in the backcourt with Donovan Mitchell carrying a heavy load.
The Cavs might expect Garland to be back at the start of training camp, but it is possible that Garland doesn’t make it back until November at least. Once he is back, however, expect the Cavaliers to make another strong push in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
6. Tyler Herro
Injury: Left Ankle Posterior Impingement Syndrome (Surgery)
Potential Recovery Time: 3 Months
Another star with a lower-body injury, Tyler Herro underwent surgery on his left ankle to address posterior impingement syndrome, and the recovery timeline is estimated at three months. This means he is likely to miss the beginning stretch of the 2025–26 season, barring any other complications.
His absence will bite Miami’s perimeter offense, as he was their leading scorer and a central creator. The Heat likely will count on Bam Adebayo and newcomer Norman Powell to fill the production void until Herro returns, but we hope the 26-year-old can fight off the injury bug and get back on the court soon.
7. Zion Williamson
Injury: Back Bone Contusion, Right Hamstring Injury
Potential Recovery Time: 2-3 Months
An unfortunate case when it comes to injuries, Zion Williamson has struggled with recurring injuries throughout his NBA tenure. Hamstrings, soft tissue, and load-related issues have often limited his availability, and many have lost faith in what could have been one of the greatest prospects in NBA history.
The Pelicans have repeatedly expressed optimism in his conditioning and managed minutes, but durability remains the core question mark. After all, if Zion misses more time or is on a minutes restriction, New Orleans will struggle.
Even if he returns, there’s a risk he can’t play the minutes required of him. His back bone contusion is the latest injury that could see him take some time to return, especially if his right hamstring bothers him again.
8. Dejounte Murray
Injury: Torn Right Achilles Tendon
Potential Recovery Time: 4-5 Months
A forgotten player, Dejounte Murray’s season ended prematurely after he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in January 2025 in a non-contact play versus Boston. Similar to the stars listed above with Achilles ruptures, he faced 9-12 months of rehab and could be back in a few months.
His return will be watched closely since he relies on burst, lateral quickness, and playmaking. A successful comeback would be a significant boon for a team already held back by health issues, and we hope Murray can return to All-Star status as soon as he can.
9. Fred VanVleet
Injury: Torn Right ACL
Potential Recovery Time: 12 Months
In a setback during offseason workouts and the latest case of major injuries, starting point guard Fred VanVleet reportedly tore his right ACL, an injury that is likely to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 season. No doubt, the Rockets are devastated by this news, considering they went all-in for Kevin Durant this offseason.
Given his age and role as a floor general with defensive responsibilities, this is a serious blow for Houston. The recovery curve for ACLs is well-known, around 12 months, but for a veteran, returning to trusted form often takes longer. The Rockets will likely retool their backcourt rotation or hope that Reed Sheppard steps up in this situation.
10. Trey Murphy III
Injury: Torn Right Labrum (Surgery)
Potential Recovery Time: 2 Months
Trey Murphy III was having a very strong campaign until he suffered a labrum tear in his shoulder (right side) that ended his season and required extended rehabilitation. Shoulder labrum repairs often involve 6 months of recovery, especially for a wing player whose motion and shooting will be key for him moving forward.
Because Murphy’s 3-point shooting and wing defense are key to his value, even after returning, there will likely be a myriad of limitations as he ramps back. New Orleans may manage his minutes or limit certain actions early on to protect the shoulder, although he should be ripe and ready not long after the new season starts.
11. Bilal Coulibaly
Injury: Right Thumb Ligament Tear (Surgery)
Potential Recovery Time: 3 Months
Budding star Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, an injury he sustained while playing for France during EuroBasket. The Wizards confirmed the procedure, noting he will miss time in the regular season.
His absence early in the season will test Washington’s wing depth, but if all goes well, he could be back by November. We are playing it safe with a three-month expected recovery timeline, but either way, the Wizards will have to tap into their other youngsters to make up for Coulibaly’s absence.
