As the crisp autumn air settles and the 2025-26 NBA season approaches its much-anticipated tip-off on October 21, the basketball world holds its collective breath. It`s a perennial drama, yet this year feels particularly weighted by the health of its biggest stars. While some familiar faces are poised for triumphant returns, others face unexpected hurdles, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the league`s landscape. The narrative of resilience and recovery, or indeed, the frustrating cycle of setbacks, is ready to unfold.
The Resurgent: Poised for Dominance
The promise of a new season often hinges on the bounce-back stories of players who spent the previous year sidelined. This season, a few names stand out, having diligently worked their way back to peak physical condition.
Zion Williamson (F, New Orleans Pelicans): A New Physique, Renewed Hope
Once a generational prospect whose career has been punctuated by injuries, Zion Williamson enters the 2025-26 season looking, quite literally, like a new man. After a 2024-25 campaign limited to a mere 30 games due to various ailments, including a persistent hamstring issue, Williamson`s physical transformation is the talk of the league. Crediting the Pelicans’ performance staff, his regimen included boxing and extensive field work. It`s an oft-repeated tale, the “skinny” superstar, but this time, Williamson insists it feels different. “I haven`t felt like this since college, high school, where I can walk into a gym, I feel good,” he noted. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this new, seemingly more durable Zion can finally unleash his full potential across an entire season.
Victor Wembanyama (C, San Antonio Spurs): Unconventional Path to Peak Performance
After a promising rookie season cut short at 46 games due to a right shoulder deep vein thrombosis, Victor Wembanyama has approached his offseason with a distinctly unique philosophy. Eschewing conventional methods, the towering phenom engaged in a 10-day retreat at a Shaolin temple in China, embracing meditation and kung fu training, alongside working with NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon. This blend of ancient discipline and professional mentorship appears to have paid dividends. Early preseason glimpses suggest an even more refined Wembanyama, with improved body control and added strength. Crucially, the chances of a DVT recurrence are deemed “very low,” clearing the path for the 21-year-old to potentially redefine expectations.
Anthony Davis (F, Dallas Mavericks): A Clearer Vision, a Familiar Approach
Anthony Davis, now with the Dallas Mavericks, is fully recovered from offseason surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. His new look for the season will include protective glasses, a permanent fixture per doctor’s orders. Davis also carries an extra 15 pounds into training camp, a strategic move he maintains is routine to offset in-season weight loss. “I never want to come in at my playing weight, because then I lose weight during the season and then I`m too small,” he explained, dispelling concerns. Mavericks fans will be hoping for a healthier, more consistent “Brow” to complement their squad.
Kristaps Porzingis (C, Atlanta Hawks): The Latvian Reset
Kristaps Porzingis finds himself in Atlanta after a mysterious ailment plagued the end of his tenure with the Boston Celtics, limiting his minutes. Though an exact diagnosis remained elusive, Porzingis expressed relief at feeling healthy again, crediting his participation with the Latvia national team at EuroBasket for providing a much-needed “system reset.” The Hawks desperately need his floor-spacing and rim protection, and Porzingis’s renewed energy could be a significant factor in their Eastern Conference aspirations.
LaMelo Ball (G, Charlotte Hornets): Building to Last
Injuries have unfortunately been a consistent theme for LaMelo Ball, limiting him to just 105 games over the past three seasons, including ankle and wrist surgeries last year. This offseason, Ball made a deliberate commitment to the weight room, prioritizing strength to withstand the rigors of an NBA season. Hornets coach Charles Lee has noted a “different commitment level,” with Ball adding lean muscle mass to better handle the physical demands of guarding top opponents. His ability to stay on the court will be paramount for Charlotte`s young core.
Tyrese Maxey (G, Philadelphia 76ers): A Beacon of Health Amidst Chaos
For the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that seemingly attracts more than its fair share of medical misfortunes, Tyrese Maxey’s clean bill of health is a rare piece of good news. After a finger injury cut short his last season, Maxey is set to embrace the starting point guard role. His readiness is particularly vital given the injury woes already afflicting other key Philadelphia players, providing a much-needed steady hand for Coach Nick Nurse.
Opening Night in Question: The Stars on the Sidelines
While some are ready, others face a race against time, their participation in the season opener hanging in the balance. These are the narratives that add an extra layer of anticipation, and sometimes, a dash of frustration, to the early weeks of the season.
LeBron James (F, Los Angeles Lakers): An Unprecedented Absence
For the first time in his illustrious 22-year career, LeBron James will miss a season opener. The unprecedented absence is due to sciatica down the right side of his body, an injury sustained during an offseason workout. Expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, James’s absence is a significant blow to the Lakers. Despite being limited to light shooting and no practice, the 39-year-old emphasized his commitment: “My presence is going to be important… Making sure that even if I`m not on the floor, I`m always in tune to what we`re doing.” It`s a testament to his longevity that this is his first opening night miss, but it also signals the increasing challenges of Father Time.
Ja Morant (G, Memphis Grizzlies): The Durability Dilemma Continues
Ja Morant’s stated goal to “play 82” games for the Grizzlies is already in jeopardy. A left ankle sprain sustained in preseason practice has put him on a week-to-week timeline. Morant`s explosive, high-flying style, while thrilling, has consistently raised durability concerns. Having played only 59 games since his 25-game suspension in 2023-24, and with a laundry list of previous injuries, his commitment to prioritize protection over highlights (“not trying to dunk at all”) underscores the precariousness of his brilliant, yet often interrupted, career.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (F, Memphis Grizzlies): Turf Toe Troubles
Memphis faces further opening night uncertainty with Jaren Jackson Jr. recovering from early July surgery to repair a turf toe injury in his right foot. While the team expects a return in late October or early November, his absence impacts their defensive anchor. This news, coming just after he agreed to a hefty contract extension, was reportedly known to the front office, suggesting a calculated risk that fans hope pays off with a fully healthy return.
De`Aaron Fox (G, San Antonio Spurs): Hamstring Setback
After recovering from season-ending finger surgery last March, De`Aaron Fox suffered a strained right hamstring during a summer workout. His availability for the Spurs` October 22 season opener remains questionable, though team progress reports have been encouraging. San Antonio, known for its cautious approach to player injuries, will likely prioritize his long-term health, especially with a deep guard rotation including Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper.
Jalen Williams (F, Oklahoma City Thunder): Lingering Wrist Issues
Jalen Williams, a key piece for the Thunder, battled a severe torn scapholunate ligament in his wrist last season, reportedly playing through it with nearly 30 painkilling shots. Surgery in July, followed by a 12-week recovery clock, means his status for the opener is uncertain. While he`s been working individually, contact portions of practice are off-limits, highlighting a slow but necessary recovery for a player vital to the Thunder`s title ambitions.
Jared McCain (G, Philadelphia 76ers): Rookie Year Interrupted Again
Last season`s Rookie of the Year front-runner, Jared McCain, saw his campaign cut short by a meniscus injury. Now fully recovered from that, he`s suffered another setback: a torn tendon in his right thumb requiring surgery. This will sideline him at the start of the season. While the 76ers have guard depth, they are keen to integrate McCain alongside Tyrese Maxey and No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe, making his delayed return a minor frustration.
Zach Edey (C, Memphis Grizzlies): Frontcourt Woes Persist
The Memphis Grizzlies` frontcourt depth is taking a significant hit with Zach Edey sidelined for at least the first two weeks, recovering from offseason ankle surgery. This compounds the absence of backup center Brandon Clarke, also recovering from knee surgery. The team will lean heavily on journeyman Jock Landale, a testament to their current challenges in the paint.
Until Further Notice: The Long Road Back
Then there are the players whose return dates are nebulous, their absences stretching beyond opening night and into the deeper recesses of the season. These are the sagas that truly test the patience of franchises and fans alike.
Joel Embiid (C, Philadelphia 76ers): The Enduring Knee Question
Perhaps the most significant health question mark in the entire league revolves around Joel Embiid’s troublesome left knee. For over a year, his return to consistent, MVP-caliber form has been unclear. Despite the superstar`s unwavering spirit (“The only thing I`ve always told myself is you can`t give up”), neither Embiid nor the 76ers can provide a definitive timeline. This lingering uncertainty continues to loom large over Philadelphia`s championship aspirations, a frustrating déjà vu for a franchise accustomed to Embiid`s injury sagas.
Kyrie Irving (G, Dallas Mavericks): The Achilles Arc
Kyrie Irving`s recovery from a ruptured right Achilles tendon, suffered in late January, is progressing, but Coach Jason Kidd has tempered expectations, stating he’s not “ahead of schedule.” Despite this, Irving`s post-practice workouts showcasing his legendary isolation moves against staff members are clear indicators of his determination. The Mavericks are optimistically looking towards an All-Star break return, allowing him ample time to shake off rust and ramp up for a potential postseason run. It’s a slow burn, but the signs of his eventual brilliance are already evident.
Darius Garland (G, Cleveland Cavaliers): A Cautious Return
Cleveland’s Darius Garland underwent surgery in June for a turf toe injury that impacted his last postseason. While his recovery is on schedule, and he’s progressing to on-court work, the Cavaliers are prioritizing long-term health over an early return. Expect him to miss the first few weeks, as the team focuses on having a 100% healthy Garland for a deep playoff push, rather than rushing him back for exhibition games.
Paul George (F, Philadelphia 76ers): An Ominous Start, Again
Paul George’s status for the season remains unclear following arthroscopic surgery after an offseason workout injury. This is an ominous sign for a player who played only half the games last season. George himself acknowledged the previous season was “rock-bottom,” and while he hopes for an earlier return, the 76ers, again, find themselves waiting on a key veteran. His ability to return promptly and stay healthy will be crucial for Philadelphia`s contentious aspirations.
Lauri Markkanen (F, Utah Jazz): Global Stage, Local Setback
Lauri Markkanen’s 2024-25 season was hampered by a lower-back issue, limiting him to a career-low 47 games. He showcased his health by leading Finland to a bronze medal game at EuroBasket, only to suffer a left wrist bruise during the tournament. This has kept him out of preseason and limited him in training camp. While he`s rehabbing diligently, a precise return date remains elusive, underscoring the delicate balance between international competition and NBA readiness.
Dejounte Murray (G, New Orleans Pelicans): The Long Road from Achilles
Dejounte Murray, acquired by the Pelicans, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon in late January, making his first season in New Orleans a mere 31 games, also plagued by a broken hand. His dedication to rehabilitation, six days a week in the training room, suggests a strong will to return. An optimistic target for his comeback is January, marking a full year of recovery for one of the most debilitating injuries in sports. His return, alongside a healthy Zion, could significantly alter the Pelicans` trajectory.
The Undeniable Impact of Injury
The upcoming NBA season, like so many before it, is as much about the battle for health as it is for championships. From the transformative efforts of Zion Williamson and Victor Wembanyama, poised to dazzle, to the unprecedented sidelining of LeBron James, and the agonizing wait for Joel Embiid, these injury narratives are woven into the fabric of the league. While fans crave the spectacle of elite athleticism, the underlying technical challenge for teams is managing player well-being in an increasingly demanding sport. As the season unfolds, the availability of these superstars will undoubtedly dictate fates, shape playoff races, and ultimately, define legacies. May the odds of a healthy season be ever in their favor.
