The 2025-2026 NBA season is four weeks in, and already, a familiar theme is dominating the conversation: injuries. The Oklahoma City Thunder (14-1), last season’s champions, appear poised to repeat, currently holding the same commanding position the Boston Celtics (champions two seasons ago) did last year. The Thunder are one of five teams with at least 10 wins (the Pistons, Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Lakers).
Giannis Antetokounmpo unexpected gesture shocks Bucks and Lakers fans
Meanwhile, the Pacers, who reached the Finals last season, are one of five teams with fewer than four wins (Kings, Pelicans, Nets, Wizards)-a struggle largely due to the absence of their best player, Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season following an injury sustained in the last playoffs. Other stars like Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum are also expected to miss the entirety of this season due to injury.
NBA Star-Studded Injured Reserve
Unfortunately, injuries are an unavoidable part of professional sports, and the NBA is no exception, often severely disrupting a team’s aspirations. Today, the crisis deepened with the announcement that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a groin injury.
The “Greek Freak” joins an alarmingly long list of elite players who have already suffered injuries and will miss multiple games in just the first month of action. This list includes Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Ja Morant (Grizzlies), Trae Young (Hawks), OG Anunoby (Knicks), Jalen Green (Suns), Obi Toppin (Pacers), Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), and Paolo Banchero (Magic), among many others.
This grouping of top-tier talent is stunning. It has become increasingly apparent over the years that injuries may actually be increasing in the “load management” era. A major concern is that undertraining can lead to weakness in joints and muscle tightness, thereby causing a rise in soft tissue injuries. The demands on today’s players are maximum, and while the league boasts more talent than ever, this mounting injury toll cannot be ignored.
Early MVP Race in the NBA
Despite the growing injury list, the MVP race promises to be another close battle. The early favorites include a re-match of last year’s top contenders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.
They are joined by Luka Doncic, who is currently leading the league in points. Though Giannis will face a setback, he was having a stellar season and remains in the conversation. Wembanyama had been showing flashes of brilliance before suffering a calf injury. Finally, Cade Cunningham deserves recognition for leading the Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference with an NBA-best 11 consecutive wins. A lot of basketball is still left to be played, but these players have set themselves apart as the early frontrunners.
