The NBA playoffs, a stage where dreams are realized and legacies are forged, have become increasingly marred by the pervasive presence of injuries. This year, like many before it, the postseason landscape is being reshaped not just by strategic brilliance and athletic prowess, but by the unfortunate reality of players sidelined by injury.
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, encapsulated this sentiment following his team’s Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite the win, Kerr’s tone was far from celebratory, overshadowed by the news that Steph Curry, the Warriors’ talisman, had suffered a sprained left hamstring. This injury, which would keep Curry out of multiple games, served as a stark reminder of the fragility of success in the NBA.
"Obviously, we’re all concerned about Steph," Kerr acknowledged, "but it’s part of the game. Part of the game. Always has been. Always will be." While accepting this inevitability, Kerr’s words did little to diminish the frustration and disappointment that accompany seeing the league’s best players forced to the sidelines.
Curry’s injury is just one example in a long list of playoff ailments that have impacted teams and altered championship aspirations. Milwaukee guard Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon, Cleveland guard Darius Garland sustained a sprained left toe, and Boston forward Jayson Tatum is dealing with a lower right leg injury.
The prevalence of injuries is not a new phenomenon. Last season saw Lillard miss playoff games, Giannis Antetokounmpo miss the entirety of the playoffs, and Kristaps Porzingis of Boston struggle with availability throughout their playoff run, missing the Eastern Conference Finals and playing limited minutes in the NBA Finals. Zion Williamson sustained a hamstring injury in the play-in game, sidelining him for the first round, while Kawhi Leonard was limited to just two first-round games in 2024. New York’s OG Anunoby missed the end of their series against Indiana, and Joel Embiid was far from fully healthy.
The impact of these injuries can be profound, swinging the momentum of series and altering the fates of teams. The Cavaliers, for instance, reduced minutes for key players during the regular season in an effort to maintain their health for the playoffs. However, their best-laid plans were derailed when Darius Garland missed games against the Indiana Pacers, Evan Mobley suffered a sprained left ankle, and De’Andre Hunter, a key reserve, was sidelined with a sprained right thumb.
The absence of these players proved costly in Game 2 against Indiana. Despite holding a significant lead late in the game, the Cavaliers ultimately fell short, losing by a single point. This loss highlighted how the absence of key players can impact even the most talented teams.
The Tatum injury, in particular, is a major blow to the Celtics. Even though the Knicks had gained control late in Game 4, Tatum had been dominant, scoring 42 points on efficient shooting. With the Celtics down 3-1, the prospect of overcoming the deficit without Tatum, a perennial All-Star, appears daunting.
Beyond the immediate impact on this season, the injury also raises questions about the Celtics’ future, particularly given their impending change in ownership and a payroll that is set to balloon to nearly $500 million, including luxury taxes, in 2025-26.
Adding to the Celtics’ woes, Kristaps Porzingis has been limited in the playoffs due to lingering effects from a viral infection, while Jrue Holiday, despite no longer being on the injury report, has struggled to replicate his regular-season form after recovering from a strained right hamstring. Furthermore, Boston’s depth has been depleted by Sam Hauser’s sprained ankle, which has kept him out of multiple games.
The Warriors’ struggles without Curry serve as another stark reminder of the value of a single player. In the three games Curry has missed against the Timberwolves, the Warriors have suffered three defeats. The team sorely misses his shooting, scoring, playmaking, defense, and overall aura. While the Timberwolves are a formidable opponent, the Warriors’ chances of extending the series hinge on Curry’s potential return in Game 5.
The impact of injuries extends beyond individual teams and series, potentially reshaping the entire league landscape. Damian Lillard’s torn Achilles tendon, which could sideline him for the entire next season, has thrown the Milwaukee Bucks’ future into uncertainty. With Lillard potentially becoming a free agent in the summer of 2026, and Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially re-evaluating his future with the team, the Bucks face a period of significant transition.
Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets is another example of a player whose performance has been hampered by injury. Despite not being officially listed on the injury report, Porter is dealing with a sprained joint in his left shoulder, which has limited his shooting effectiveness. His scoring output has dropped significantly, and his shooting percentages have plummeted.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies also experienced an injury. This has significantly impacted the direction of the first round series.
These are just a few examples of the numerous injuries that have plagued the NBA playoffs this year. While injuries are an inherent part of the game, their prevalence and impact cannot be ignored. They have the power to alter the course of series, derail championship aspirations, and reshape the league landscape. As Steve Kerr aptly stated, injuries are "part of the game," but they are a part that often leaves a sting.
