The 2025-26 NBA campaign tips off on Oct. 21, but several marquee names are on different timetables as training camps wind down. Here is where the league’s most-watched injured players stand one week before opening night.
Cleared for opening week
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
After appearing in only 30 games last season because of a bone bruise and other ailments, Williamson says an offseason built around boxing and football-field conditioning has him “feeling good” for the first time since his Duke days.
Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks
Davis has been fully cleared following surgery to repair a detached retina in his right eye. The forward, now listed at 268 pounds, plans to trim 10-12 pounds in the early weeks of the schedule while adjusting to protective goggles he must wear permanently.
Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks
A late-season fatigue issue limited the 7-foot-3 center in Boston, but a summer run with Latvia at EuroBasket helped restore his conditioning. Porziņģis said the unexplained problem “is gone now,” and Atlanta counts on him to stretch the floor and protect the rim.
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Ball, coming off surgeries on an ankle and a wrist, emphasized strength training to handle bigger defenders. Coach Charles Lee noted a stronger commitment in the weight room from his point guard.
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
The reigning Rookie of the Year missed 36 games last season because of a right-shoulder blood clot. A Shaolin temple retreat, sessions with Hakeem Olajuwon, and added upper- and lower-body strength have him back at full speed.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Maxey sat the final weeks of 2024-25 with a finger injury but logged two exhibition games in Abu Dhabi and will open as the starting point guard.
Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Morant’s plan to play all 82 games is already in doubt. He is week-to-week with a left ankle sprain suffered before the preseason opener.
Questionable for Oct. 22
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
The forward had turf-toe surgery in early July, and the club projected a four-to-six-week recovery, placing his return in late October or early November.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Sciatica on the right side has sidelined the 40-year-old, ending his streak of 22 straight season openers. The team will reevaluate him in two to three weeks.
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
The rookie center will miss at least the first two weeks after ankle surgery. Backup Brandon Clarke is also out, leaving Jock Landale as the primary option in the middle.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Williams is recovering from July 1 surgery on a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. He has yet to join contact drills and remains day-to-day.
Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
McCain’s promising rookie year ended with a meniscus tear; he is now rehabbing a surgically repaired tendon in his right thumb and will miss the start of the schedule.
De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Fox, who had left pinkie surgery in March, strained his right hamstring during the summer and is doubtful for the opener.
Longer recovery tracks
Dejounte Murray, New Orleans Pelicans
The guard is targeting a January return after a ruptured right Achilles tendon on Jan. 29 limited him to 31 games last season.
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Persistent issues with Embiid’s left knee cloud the center’s timeline. Neither the team nor Embiid has offered a firm projection.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
June surgery for turf toe will likely sideline Garland for the first few weeks. He is running and shooting but has not yet practiced with the team.
Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers
George underwent an arthroscopic knee procedure after an offseason workout injury. The forward has resumed light on-court activity, but opening night remains uncertain.
Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Irving, recovering from a March ACL tear, is working on isolation moves after practice. Dallas would welcome his return around the All-Star break.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
A summer back issue and a bruised left wrist kept the Finnish forward out of most preseason work. He continues daily rehab without a set return date.
The first week of the season will clarify which of these stars can contribute immediately and which teams must wait a little longer for full firepower.
Source: ESPN
