NBA Prepares: Key Injuries and Returns for the 2025-26 Season
A week before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, the anticipation grows. With familiar faces and new talents ready to jump on the court on October 21st, several key players face physical challenges. Here, a detailed analysis of the injured and returning players, courtesy of Alofoke Deportes.
Victor Wembanyama, after overcoming a blood clot in his right shoulder, is ready to lead the San Antonio Spurs. Similarly, Zion Williamson, recovered from various injuries, will seek a full season with the New Orleans Pelicans.
However, some of the league’s most prominent names will delay their debut. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, will miss between three and four weeks due to sciatica. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, is working to recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in March.
Here’s a look at the key players and their health statuses, so you don’t miss any of the action.Zion Williamson, en el centro, ha estado ausente más partidos (268) de los que ha jugado (214) desde que se convirtió en profesional en 2019.
Zion Williamson, ready to return
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans appears to be in his best shape since his college days. Williamson attributes his transformation to Daniel Bove, the Pelicans’ director of performance and sports science, who helped him transform his body through boxing and training on a football field. After a season marked by injuries, Williamson seeks to demonstrate his potential.
I really felt a change in my body, to the point of looking at Bove and saying: “Dude, it’s good to feel good.” I hadn’t felt like this since college, high school, where I can go into a gym and feel good.
Ohm Youngmisuk
Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks, fully recovered from detached retina surgery, will have to wear protective glasses for life. Davis, who has lost weight, feels in optimal physical condition and ready for the season.Anthony Davis fue traspasado de Los Angeles Lakers a los Dallas Mavericks en el plazo de traspasos de la temporada pasada. En los nueve partidos que jugó con los Mavericks, promedió 20 puntos y 4,4 asistencias.Kristaps Porzingis of the Atlanta Hawks, recovered from a mysterious ailment, feels fit and ready to contribute to the team. The Latvian player highlighted the importance of the EuroBasket to regain his physical condition.LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets, has been working in the gym to get stronger. Ball, after several seasons affected by injuries, is determined to stay on the court.Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, after overcoming deep vein thrombosis, has worked on unconventional training methods, including a retreat in a Shaolin temple. Wembanyama has improved his body control and strength, showing great performance in the preseason.Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, recovered from a finger injury, is ready to be the starting point guard. The good news is a relief for coach Nick Nurse, considering the other injuries the team is facing.Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, aiming to “play 82 games”, is in danger due to a sprained ankle. Morant, known for his acrobatic play, now prioritizes his health.Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, could miss the start of the season due to surgery for a toe injury. The player’s availability is in doubt.LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, will miss the start of the season due to sciatica. James, who will make history by playing his 23rd season, will miss the first game for the first time in his career.Zach Edey of the Memphis Grizzlies, will miss the first few weeks of the season after ankle surgery. The lack of depth in the interior game will be a challenge for the team.Jalen Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder is not yet confirmed for the first game due to a wrist injury.Jared McCain of the Philadelphia 76ers, will miss the start of the season due to a thumb injury.De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs, could miss the first game due to a hamstring strain. Despite this, the team is optimistic about his progress.Dejounte Murray from the New Orleans Pelicans, could return in January after a ruptured Achilles tendon.Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, the biggest question mark in the league, is suffering from problems in his left knee. Embiid’s return remains uncertain.¿Cuánto de Joel Embiid veremos esta temporada?Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, will miss the first weeks of the season after foot surgery.Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers, his status for the start of the season is uncertain following surgery.Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks, is progressing in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and could return around the All-Star break.Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz, is recovering from a wrist injury and still has no confirmed return date.
