The 2025-2026 NBA season, anticipated as a blockbuster, has instead become a narrative dominated by the training room. A devastating wave of injuries, particularly to the Achilles tendon, has sidelined some of the league's biggest stars, forcing teams to compete without their full strength and altering the championship landscape dramatically.
Star Players Sidelined: A Season of Setbacks
The injury crisis has impacted franchises across the league. Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers' cornerstone, suffered the most significant blow. He tore his right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals in July. After undergoing surgery in New York under Dr. O’Malley, he has been ruled out for the entire 2025-2026 season, focusing on recovery with his family and fiancée, Jade Jones.
In a cruel twist for the Milwaukee Bucks, their star acquisition Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a game against the New York Knicks in May 2025. Following surgery, Tatum has been absent from the court, facing a challenging season both physically and in terms of team performance.
The Portland Trail Blazers' plans were upended even before the season began. Damaliburton, Lillard, and Kyrie Irving have been confirmed as completely out for the 2026 season, the path to recovery varies. Some athletes have begun their comeback, while others face a long and uncertain rehabilitation process.
The Widespread Impact Across Teams
The injury bug was not limited to the league's absolute top tier. Dejounte Murray of the New Orleans Pelicans saw his season take a downturn when he tore his Achilles tendon on January 31. His return this season remains uncertain.
The Miami Heat's Dru Smith tore his left Achilles tendon in a game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 23. The injury required immediate surgery, ending his participation for the remainder of the matches.
The Indiana Pacers, already reeling from Haliburton's loss, were dealt a double blow. Isaiah Jackson injured his Achilles tendon on November 1 against the Pelicans, making him unlikely for much of the season. Teammate and center James Wisman also suffered a left Achilles tendon injury, requiring surgery. This adds to two other major leg injuries he has sustained in his five-year career.
Consequences and the Road Ahead
This unprecedented cluster of similar, severe injuries has forced teams to rely heavily on their benches and has opened opportunities for lesser-known players to step up. It has also sparked conversations about player workload, the intensity of the modern game, and recovery protocols. For fans, the season has become a test of resilience for their favourite teams, as championships may now be decided not just by talent on the court, but by the ability to withstand adversity off it. The full potential of this NBA season remains unrealized, waiting for the healing process to run its course.
