Biggest Injury Returns for the 2025-26 NBA Season

Zion Williamson, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson, forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, is drawing attention with his excellent physical condition, reminiscent of his best years in college. He has significantly transformed his body through training with Pelicans` Director of Performance and Sports Science Daniel Bove, including boxing and football field workouts, while rehabilitating from a hamstring injury. In six seasons, Williamson has played over 60 games only twice, and last season, he was limited to just 30 games due to a bone bruise. Zion notes that he feels great for the first time in a long while.

Anthony Davis, F, Dallas Mavericks
Anthony Davis, forward for the Dallas Mavericks, has fully recovered from offseason surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. In the preseason, he is getting accustomed to the protective glasses he will need to wear permanently. Davis, who is 6`10″ and weighs 268 pounds (after shedding 15 extra pounds), stated he is not concerned about his weight, as he typically starts the season a bit heavier and quickly loses it during games.

Kristaps Porzingis, C, Atlanta Hawks
Kristaps Porzingis, center for the Atlanta Hawks, who recently joined the team, feels good after a mysterious ailment limited his playing time late last season with the Boston Celtics. He still doesn`t have an exact diagnosis but is relieved the symptoms are gone. Participating in EuroBasket this summer helped him get back into shape and regain confidence. The Hawks are counting on his healthy presence to stretch the floor and provide rim protection.

LaMelo Ball, G, Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball, guard for the Charlotte Hornets, actively worked in the weight room this offseason to gain muscle mass. After injuries (including ankle and wrist surgeries) limited him to 105 games over the past three seasons, Ball is determined to stay on the court. Coach Charles Lee noted that the intensified training and weight gain would help Ball better cope with physically strong defenders and take on a greater leadership role within the team.

Victor Wembanyama, C, San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama, center for the San Antonio Spurs, who played only 46 games last season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, dedicated his offseason to intense training. He employed unconventional methods, including a 10-day retreat at a Shaolin temple for meditation and kung fu, and trained with Hakeem Olajuwon. In the preseason, he has showcased excellent form, strength, and improved body control. According to Wembanyama, the chances of DVT recurrence are very low.

Tyrese Maxey, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey, guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, who missed the end of last season due to a finger injury, has fully recovered and is ready to start the new season as the starting point guard. His participation in preseason games in Abu Dhabi confirms this, which is excellent news for coach Nick Nurse, given other injuries within the team.

Ja Morant, G, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant`s goal of playing all 82 games this season for the Memphis Grizzlies is already jeopardized due to a sprained left ankle sustained before a preseason game. His acrobatic playing style often leads to injuries. Morant, who previously stated his priority was self-preservation over spectacular dunks, has played only 59 games since serving a suspension in the 2023-24 season, suffering from a variety of injuries.

Jaren Jackson Jr., F, Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.`s participation in the October 22 season opener for the Memphis Grizzlies is uncertain. He is recovering from July surgery on his right foot (turf toe injury). He is expected to return in late October or early November. The surgery took place shortly after he signed a five-year contract extension, but the Grizzlies were aware of the injury.

LeBron James, F, Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James, forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, will miss a season opener for the first time in his career due to sciatica on his right side, sustained in late July/early August. He won`t be reevaluated for 2-3 weeks and has been limited to light shooting during training camp, skipping all practices and preseason games. James, who will become the first NBA player to complete 23 seasons, emphasized the importance of his presence with the team, even off the court, during his rehabilitation.

Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey, center for the Memphis Grizzlies, will miss at least the first two weeks of the season due to offseason ankle surgery. He is expected to return by the end of November. Due to injuries to both Edey and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies will face a significant lack of frontcourt depth and will have to rely on Jock Landale.

Jalen Williams, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams, forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, suffered a severe wrist injury (torn scapholunate ligament) late last season, playing through pain that required about 30 painkiller injections. Surgery was postponed until July 1, and the 12-week reevaluation period expired just before training camp. His participation in the season opener is unconfirmed; he is training individually, primarily using his left hand.

Jared McCain, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Jared McCain, guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, was a Rookie of the Year contender last season, but his season was cut short by a meniscus injury in December. While he has fully recovered from that injury, he underwent surgery last month for a torn tendon in his right (shooting) thumb, which will delay his return at the start of the regular season.

De`Aaron Fox, G, San Antonio Spurs
De`Aaron Fox, guard for the San Antonio Spurs, underwent surgery on his left pinkie finger last March and has fully recovered. However, during a summer workout, he suffered a strained right hamstring, which casts doubt on his availability for the October 22 season opener. Fox will miss the preseason, but the team is encouraged by his progress. The Spurs are known for their cautious approach to bringing players back from injuries, especially with a deep guard roster including Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.

Dejounte Murray, G, New Orleans Pelicans
Dejounte Murray, guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, is diligently working on his recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered in late January and could return to the court as early as next January. His first season in New Orleans was limited to 31 games due to this and a hand injury. Murray is pleased with the progress of his recovery.

Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid`s health, particularly his troublesome left knee, remains the biggest question mark for the Philadelphia 76ers. For over a year, it has been unclear when, or if, the 2023 MVP will fully recover. Embiid stated he will not give up despite numerous injuries. The exact date of his return to the court — whether at the start of the season or sometime later — is yet unknown.

Darius Garland, G, Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland, guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, underwent surgery in June for a turf toe injury that affected his postseason performance. This will likely sideline him for the first few weeks of the regular season. His recovery is on schedule, and he is running and doing on-court work, but he is not yet participating in team practices or preseason games. The Cavaliers are not rushing his return, wanting him to be 100% healthy.

Paul George, F, Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George`s status for the start of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers remains uncertain following arthroscopic surgery for an offseason injury. George, who has already done some on-court work, hopes to return as soon as possible, stating that it can`t get any worse than last season. The 76ers expect him back by opening night or shortly thereafter.

Kyrie Irving, G, Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving, guard for the Dallas Mavericks, is showing significant progress in his recovery from an ACL tear suffered in March. Although coach Jason Kidd is cautious, Irving is actively training on the court, practicing his famous isolation moves and even mentoring rookie Cooper Flagg. The 33-year-old Irving is not setting a specific return date, preferring to focus on daily work. The Mavericks would be pleased to have him back around the All-Star break, allowing him time to shed rust and ramp up before the postseason.

Lauri Markkanen, F, Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen, forward for the Utah Jazz, was limited to a career-low 47 games last season due to various injuries, including a lower-back issue. However, he bounced back over the summer, looking healthy and leading Finland to contend for a bronze medal at EuroBasket with an impressive performance. During the tournament, he sustained a left wrist bruise, which forced him to miss preseason games and part of training camp. Markkanen is rehabbing daily and feeling better, but cannot specify an exact return date.