Sections

Advertisement

Every devastating injury the NBA's star players have dealt with so far in the playoffs

Injuries are absolutely ruining the NBA’s playoffs. They’ve had major impacts on nearly every series we’ve seen so far and we’re not even halfway through it.

From Anthony Davis all the way down to Mike Conley Jr., nearly every team has dealt with an injury in one form or another. And, while the basketball this postseason has been good, it’s hard not to think about how all of these injuries and ailments have impacted it.

That thought weighs even heavier today after seeing news that both Chris Paul and Kawhi Leonard will miss some time — Paul because of COVID-19 protocols and Leonard because of a knee sprain.

There are so many to keep up with at this point, but here’s a list of every player in the playoffs that has missed important time so far.

Chris Paul

AP Photo/Matt York

The Suns have looked like an absolute juggernaut through two rounds and Chris Paul has played been a huge part of that.

But it’s possible he’ll miss some time when the Western Conference Finals start. He’ll miss time in NBA’s COVID-19 protocol, according to a report from The Athletics’ Shams Charania. He could play earlier if he’s vaccinated.

We also shouldn’t forget the shoulder injury he suffered in the first round against the Lakers. Injuries stink.

Kawhi Leonard

(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Leonard will miss time now because of a knee sprain he suffered in game 4 against the Jazz. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported the injury would keep him out for game 5 and, potentially, the rest of the series.

Charania reports that the Clippers are also afraid that this may be an ACL injury of some sort.

Again, ban injuries.

Joel Embiid

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Embiid was sidelined in the first round after suffering from a small lateral meniscus tear in game 4 against the Wizards. He missed game 5 in that series but has been able to play in round 2 against the Hawks.

However, he’s been listed as questionable in every game since the injury and has looked off at times because of it.

Anthony Davis

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Davis suffered from a strained groin injury in game 4 against the Suns in the first round.

He was unable to play in game 5 but gave it a go in game 6 to try and avoid elimination. He left after playing just five minutes of the game.

The Lakers were rightfully ripped for trying to play him. He clearly shouldn’t have been out there.

James Harden

(AP Photo/Matt York)

Harden missed game 4 in the Nets’ series against the Bucks because of the same hamstring injury he’s been dealing with for most of the season.

He played 46 minutes in game 5 but looked like a shell of himself offensively after going 1-10 from the field for 5 points.

He didn’t expect to play at all.

 

Kyrie Irving

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Irving missed game 5 after suffering a high ankle sprain in game 4 against the Bucks. He won’t play in game 6 and won’t travel with the team, either.

Mike Conley Jr.

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Mike Conley Jr. is also suffering from a hamstring injury and hasn’t played against the Clippers yet.

He’ll miss game 5 on Wednesday night as well.

Donovan Mitchell

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Mitchell missed the first game of the Jazz’s first-round series against the Grizzlies with an ankle injury.

He’s been back and has been pretty incredible in the time that he’s played. He’s been the Jazz’s best player this postseason.

Hopefully, the list stops growing here. Big injuries are ruining the playoffs for everyone.

Here’s to good health.

Watch our new sneaker unboxing series, Special Delivery

More NBA