The NBA's Biggest Injuries: Who's Out and When Will They Return?

Joel Piton

11 hours ago

13 min read

The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway, and while the league's biggest stars are already putting on a show, not everyone has had the luxury of staying healthy, over even having the privilege to suit up. Unfortunately, injuries remain an inevitable part of the game, and several notable names have found themselves watching from the sidelines rather than making their presence felt on the hardwood. Some longer than others, and some of these absences could have massive implications for teams hoping to make some noise this season. But who's out? How serious are their injuries? And most importantly, when can we expect them back in action? Let's dive into the NBA's biggest injury concerns and break down everything you need to know.

Ariel Hukporti (C)
Philadelphia 76ers

Estimated Return: Oct 1

Injury: Achilles Tendon

Talk about a NIGHTMARE start to the season. Just five minutes into Philadelphia's preseason opener against his former team, the New York Knicks, Ariel Hukporti suffered a devastating non-contact injury, rupturing his right Achilles and ending his 2026-27 campaign before it even began. The 7-foot NBA champion was expected to be a big-body off of the bench, particularly as a reliable defensive substitute for Joel Embiid. As the only other seven-footer on Philadelphia's roster, Hukporti was especially valuable given Embiid's injury history and anticipated workload management. Now, the Sixers will have to lean more heavily on Adem Bona and potentially experiment with smaller lineups to compensate for their depleted frontcourt. It's an absolutely brutal turn of events for a promising young guy hoping to establish himself in a larger role. Five minutes. That's all it took for Hukporti's season to come crashing down.

Ben Simmons (G)
Sacramento Kings

Estimated Return: Oct 1

Injury: Achilles Tendon

You genuinely couldn't script something this heartbreaking. On October 18, the very same day his highly anticipated documentary Being Ben premiered, chronicling his long-awaited return to the NBA, Ben Simmons suffered a devastating right Achilles tear during a Kings practice session. Talk about cruel timing. After missing the entire 2025-26 campaign, the former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star was finally looking like himself again, making sharp passes, defending with purpose, and showcasing his basketball IQ throughout Sacramento's preseason. Then, just as his redemption story appeared to be gaining momentum, Simmons faced perhaps the most devastating setback of his injury-riddled career, with the 2026-27 season likely lost entirely. This also takes Sacramento down a veteran and Simmons was expected to help lead a rebuilding roster back to the playoffs. At 30 years old, Simmons still has time to write another chapter, but you can't help wondering how much more his body can take.

Bradley Beal (G)
Los Angeles Clippers

Estimated Return: Nov 8

Injury: Knee Inflammation

Remember when Bradley Beal was averaging over 30 points per game? Those days feel like a distant memory. The three-time All-Star's career has taken a heartbreaking downturn, with injuries seemingly refusing to give the 33-year-old a break. Beal's debut season with the Los Angeles Clippers was nothing short of disastrous, averaging a career-low 8.2 points on just 37.5% shooting before a fractured left hip ended his campaign after only SIX appearances. Now fully recovered from his hip injury, Beal is dealing with persistent knee inflammation that has delayed his highly anticipated return to the hardwood. His current estimated return date of November 8 would mark exactly ONE YEAR since his last NBA appearance. Beal now faces a real challenge: proving he can still contribute at a high level. Here's hoping the veteran can finally catch a break and remind the basketball world what he's capable of.

Brandon Ingram (F)
Los Angeles Clippers

Estimated Return: Nov 8

Injury: Achilles Tendon

The Clippers aren't off to the smoothest start. After acquiring two-time All-Star Brandon Ingram in the blockbuster trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto, Los Angeles has yet to see him take the floor. Ingram underwent surgery on his right heel in May, when doctors also discovered and addressed a partially torn Achilles tendon. The 29-year-old is now targeting a potential November 8 return, around the same timetable as Bradley Beal. Coming off an impressive campaign in Toronto that saw him average 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, Ingram is expected to help usher in a new era of Clippers offense. Instead, Derrick Jones Jr. has assumed the starting small forward role which makes the Clippers lack shot creation. Los Angeles could desperately use Ingram's scoring. With the Clippers already navigating a challenging transition following Leonard's departure, getting their offseason acquisition healthy will be crucial to staying competitive in the Western Conference.

Devin Carter (G)
Boston Celtics

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Mononucleosis

The Boston Celtics are entering the 2026-27 campaign almost entirely healthy. ALMOST. Unfortunately, new guard Devin Carter is the lone exception, having been diagnosed with mononucleosis following an incredibly promising preseason debut. The former Kings lottery pick turned heads in his lone exhibition appearance, recording 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals against Cleveland. Boston liked what it saw and rewarded the Carter with a two-way contract. Unfortunately, Carter has been sidelined ever since, missing the Celtics' final three preseason contests and the beginning of the regular season, with no definitive timetable for his return. While Boston's loaded backcourt is in good shape, Carter's illness puts an unfortunate pause on what could have been a career-revitalizing opportunity.

Donte DiVincenzo (G)
Minnesota Timberwolves

Estimated Return: Apr 2

Injury: Achilles Tendon

The Minnesota Timberwolves look HUNGRY to start the season, but they're still not at full strength. After starting all 82 regular-season games last year, Donte DiVincenzo suffered a devastating right Achilles rupture just two minutes into Game 4 of Minnesota's first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. The 29-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season while knocking down nearly 38% of his three-point attempts. The blockbuster acquisition of LaMelo Ball has given the Timberwolves an exciting new floor general, but DiVincenzo's absence still leaves a considerable defensive hole in their rotation. Ayo Dosunmu should help shoulder the backcourt responsibilities, but replacing DiVincenzo's two-way production won't be easy. With Achilles injuries notoriously difficult to recover from, DiVincenzo could miss the entirety of the season, although he remains optimistic about returning before the playoffs.

Henri Veesaar (C)
Atlanta Hawks

Estimated Return: Jul 1

Injury: ACL

Talk about a devastating setback before your NBA career begins. Selected 52nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, versatile North Carolina big man Henri Veesaar was quickly being hailed as one of the draft's biggest steals by Atlanta Hawks fans: and for good reason The 7-foot Estonian was coming off a phenomenal collegiate campaign, averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an impressive 42.6% from beyond the arc. Following an encouraging Summer League showing, Veesaar appeared poised to carve out a meaningful role in Atlanta's frontcourt. Unfortunately, those plans came crashing down on September 15, when he tore his right ACL during an offseason workout, effectively ending his rookie campaign before it even started. His absence leaves Atlanta down a 7-footer who could've covered a lot of ground. The Hawks have more than enough to stay competitive but it's still a tough pill to swallow.

Jalen Duren (C)
Detroit Pistons

Estimated Return: Nov 9

Injury: Hamstring

The Detroit Pistons are off to a perfect 3-0 start, but they're doing so without being at full strength. Fresh off a breakout 2025-26 campaign that saw him earn his first All-Star selection, All-NBA Third Team honors, and a massive five-year, $200 million extension, Jalen Duren is unfortunately back on the sidelines. Duren suffered a right hamstring strain during Detroit's October 23 victory over the Miami Heat, forcing him to exit just 10 minutes into his second appearance of the season. The Pistons have since announced that Duren will be re-evaluated in two weeks, meaning Detroit will have to navigate a challenging early-season stretch without its center. Fortunately, B-Ball Paul Reed has wasted NO TIME stepping up, delivering an impressive 19-point, 11-rebound performance against Miami. Still, replacing Duren's physicality is no small task.

Jalen Suggs (G)
Orlando Magic

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Hyperextend knee

Just as the season was getting underway, Jalen Suggs suffered a frightening non-contact injury during Orlando's 111-102 victory over the New York Knicks on October 25. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Suggs' right knee buckled while attempting a fast-break layup, sending the 25-year-old crashing to the hardwood. Fortunately, an MRI revealed only a mild bone bruise, with NO structural damage detected. Magic fans may have dodged a bullet here, but Suggs will be sidelined for at least two weeks before undergoing further evaluation, leaving Orlando without its best defender. Suggs has been a MENACE to start the season, averaging two steals per contest. Unfortunately, the Magic are subsequently going to have to navigate the absence of Paolo Banchero, and losing another starter is tragic. Now, it's all about getting healthy and returning to the hardwood without any further setbacks.

Jalen Williams (F)
Oklahoma City Thunder

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Leg

This might be the most heartbreaking injury of the young NBA season. Just when Jalen Williams appeared to be putting injuries behind him, disaster struck once again. In the final moments of Oklahoma City's 108-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, he suffered a horrifying left leg injury after being fouled by Kris Dunn on a drive to the basket. Williams landed awkwardly, with his ankle bending at a near 90-degree angle in a scene eerily reminiscent of Gordon Hayward's devastating 2017 injury. The entire arena fell silent as medical personnel rushed to his aid, while visibly emotional teammates watched him get stretchered off the court. It's an especially cruel setback considering Williams appeared in just 33 games last season due to wrist and hamstring complications, with his limited postseason availability contributing to Oklahoma's playoff exit. Now, Williams faces yet another lengthy recovery, leaving the Thunder to shoulder an even greater workload. We're all hoping he gets well soon.

Cason Wallace (G)
Oklahoma City Thunder

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Torn shoulder labrum

When it rains, it pours in Oklahoma City. The Thunder were dealt ANOTHER crushing blow, with All-Defensive guard Cason Wallace sidelined indefinitely after tearing the labrum in his left shoulder after colliding with an Isaiah Jackson screen. Unfortunately, Wallace will now require surgery, with no definitive timetable established for his return. It's an absolutely brutal development for a Thunder squad that looked ready to dominate the Northwest Division once again. Wallace has developed into one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, and with both him and Williams gone, Oklahoma could face their toughest test yet. Expect other players to shoulder significantly larger responsibilities moving forward. The Thunder undoubtedly possess one of the deepest rosters in basketball, but even the deepest teams have their limits. To Thunder fans everywhere, our hearts go out to you. Here's hoping both youngsters make full recoveries and return stronger than ever.

Jayden Quaintance (F)
San Antonio Spurs

Estimated Return: Dec 3

Injury: Knee/ACL

At this point, you genuinely have to feel for Jayden Quaintance. I've been following this kid since his high school days, and it feels like basketball fans have been waiting YEARS to see him fully unleash his potential. Unfortunately, injuries have continuously stood in his way. Once projected as a potential lottery pick, the 6-foot-10 defensive specialist tore his right ACL and meniscus during his freshman campaign at Arizona State in February 2025, before transferring to Kentucky and appearing in just FOUR games during his sophomore season. Quaintance hasn't played in an official basketball game since January. After undergoing another procedure on his right knee in July, the 19-year-old Spurs rookie remains sidelined indefinitely, with no definitive timetable for his NBA debut. San Antonio knew the risks when it selected Quaintance 20th overall, but the organization clearly believes his immense upside is worth the wait. The kid earned Big 12 All-Defensive honors at just 17 years old. The talent is undeniable. Now, we just need his body to cooperate.

Jimmy Butler III (F)
Golden State Warriors

(Photo: Thearon W. Henderson-GettyImages)

Estimated Return: Jan 2

Injury: ACL

Things are looking BLEAK in the Bay Area, and the absence of Jimmy Butler isn't making matters any easier. Butler has been sidelined since January 19, when he suffered a devastating right ACL tear against the Miami Heat, abruptly ending his 2025-26 campaign. Before going down, Butler was still producing at an incredibly high level, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting nearly 52% from the field. Unfortunately, at 37 years old, recovering from such a significant injury is no small task. The Warriors are cautiously targeting a January or February 2027 return, but by that point, their season could already be hanging by a thread. Golden State went a disastrous 12-26 following Butler's injury last season, and with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green not getting any younger, the clock is ticking on this team's championship window. But perhaps the biggest question isn't WHEN Butler will return, but WHAT version of Jimmy Buckets we'll see when he does. Has Father Time caught up to one of the NBA's fiercest competitors?

Jaren Jackson Jr. (F)
Utah Jazz

Estimated Return: Dec 15

Injury: Torn MCL

Utah faces a pretty serious blow to their frontcourt as they continue to wait on Jusuf Nurkic to be fully healthy. Jaren Jackson Jr. suffered a torn MCL in his right knee, which will sideline him for approximately six to eight weeks. The injury came about during Utah's October 26 loss against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, when Ty Jerome awkwardly fell into his right knee. Jackson looked phenomenal through his first three appearances, averaging 19.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest. Unfortunately, after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left knee earlier this year, Jackson now faces another frustrating setback, this time involving his opposite leg. And with Jusuf Nurkić and Jaxson Hayes already sidelined, the Jazz's are looking dangerously thin down low. The GOOD news? Jackson will NOT require surgery, giving the Jazz some much-needed optimism that he could return before Christmas. Still, losing a player of his caliber this early in the season is an absolute gut punch.

Kawhi Leonard (F)
Toronto Raptors

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Knee swelling

Just as Toronto Raptors fans were celebrating the return the Klaw, he's already back on the sidelines. The 35-year-old has been ruled out for potentially multiple weeks after experiencing swelling in his left knee. Leonard was a late scratch from Sunday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Raptors announced on October 27 that he would undergo treatment and rehabilitation before being re-evaluated. The good news? Medical imaging revealed NO structural damage which is good reassurance for a player with an extensive history of knee complications. Unfortunately, Leonard is reportedly expected to miss quite some time, putting an early pause on his homecoming. Through his first two appearances, the two-time NBA champion averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per game. After putting up career-high averages in points last season, it's clear Kawhi has a lot left in the tank, but will his body allow him to stay on the floor consistently? At this stage of his career, health is key.

Kristaps Porzingis (C)
Golden State Warriors

Estimated Return: N/A

Injury: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

This one genuinely goes beyond basketball. Former NBA champion Kristaps Porzingis is facing perhaps the most uncertain chapter of his professional career, with recurring health complications leaving his future in the league hanging in the balance. The 31-year-old has reportedly been battling symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the body's ability to regulate heart rate when standing. After publicly shutting down baseless HIV/AIDS rumors surrounding his mysterious illness, Porzingis revealed that he's working closely with medical professionals and gradually making progress. Unfortunately, there's still no timetable for his return, and reports suggest the former All-Star is seriously contemplating his basketball future, with retirement potentially on the table. To make matters worse, Golden State has reportedly begun exploring trade options. It's a DEVASTATING development for a Warriors team already struggling with injuries, and basketball fans everywhere are hoping they haven't seen the last of him.

Mark Williams (C)
Phoenix Suns

Estimated Return: Feb 3

Injury: Torn shoulder labrum

Will Mark Williams catch a break? The big man has been an absolute FORCE in the paint whenever healthy, but unfortunately, staying on the hardwood continues to be the biggest obstacle of his young career. After appearing in a career-high 60 games last season, averaging 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting an incredibly efficient 64% from the field, Williams appeared to be turning a corner. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck again. Williams suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder during an offseason workout, requiring surgery on September 10 and sidelining him for an extended period. Early reports suggest Williams could remain out until at least February, leaving Phoenix without its starting center for potentially HALF the season. Fortunately, this presents a GOLDEN opportunity for young big men Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach to prove themselves. Ighodaro appeared in all 82 games last season, and 7-foot-2 Maluach showcased tremendous upside during Summer League. Still, replacing a guy who shoots 65% in his sleep won't be easy.

Moses Moody (G)
Golden State Warriors

Estimated Return: Dec 1

Injury: Ruptured Patellar Tendon

Finally, some potentially ENCOURAGING news for Warriors fans. After suffering one of the most devastating injuries of the 2025-26 NBA season, Moses Moody appears to be making significant progress toward his long-awaited return to the hardwood. The 24-year-old ruptured his left patellar tendon during a frightening non-contact injury against the Dallas Mavericks on March 23, abruptly ending what had been the best season of his young career. Moody averaged career highs in points (12.1), rebounds (3.3), assists (1.6), and steals (1.0), while knocking down an impressive 40.1% of his three-point attempts. Unfortunately, just as he was establishing himself as an indispensable member of Golden State's rotation, disaster struck. Now, after undergoing successful surgery and months of rehabilitation, Moody is progressing toward a potential December or January return, and the Dubs DESPERATELY need his perimeter shooting.

Paolo Banchero (F)
Orlando Magic

Estimated Return: Nov 22

Injury: High Ankle Sprain

After an ELECTRIC season opener that saw Paolo Banchero erupt for 35 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists against the Atlanta Hawks, Paolo looked reay for another All-Star caliber campaign. Unfortunately, just two games into the season, Banchero suffered a right high ankle sprain during Orlando's 115-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, abruptly halting what looked like an incredibly promising start. Banchero is expected to miss approximately four to six weeks, leaving the Magic without him for a significant stretch. It feels like Banchero and Franz Wagner simply cannot stay healthy together, and for a franchise with legitimate aspirations of making a deep postseason run, that's an enormous concern. Fortunately, Wagner has already demonstrated his ability to shoulder a heavier offensive workload, and Desmond Bane can put points on the board as well. Still, there's no replacing a 6-foot-10 offensive threat capable of scoring at all three levels.

Shaedon Sharpe (G)
Portland Trail Blazers

Estimated Return: Mar 2

Injury: Knee (meniscus)

After enjoying a breakout 2025-26 campaign that saw him average a career-high 20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, Sharpe appeared destined to take ANOTHER massive leap this season. Unfortunately, those plans came crashing down in August when Sharpe suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee during an offseason workout, subsequently undergoing surgery that will keep him sidelined for a minimum of six months. Sharpe's athleticism, three-level scoring, and ability to create offense out of seemingly NOTHING made him one of Portland's most exciting players last season. Portland has legitimate aspirations of making some serious noise in the Western Conference, but adding a healthy Sharpe to that equation could take this team to an entirely different level. Unfortunately, Sharpe won't be re-evaluated until late February, meaning the Blazers will have to navigate the majority of the regular season without him.

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Who are you most eager to see make a triumphant return to the hardwood? And more importantly, how do you think your favorite team will adjust in their absence? Will someone rise to the occasion and fill the void, or could these injuries spell trouble for for your favorite team? Let us know your thoughts, predictions, and expectations as we await...