With just over 15 games left in the marathon that is the NBA season, it’s time to have a look at which teams are likely to have their playoff drives cut short due to significant injuries.
Nets – Okay, so maybe not exactly a conference front runner, but the pesky team always seemed like they might be something if Ben Simmons lived up to his own hype. They will be feared no longer this season now that Simmons is gone for the balance of it with more back injuries. Incredibly bad luck for the Nets organization, the fans and theoretically Ben Simmons himself – if you believe he really does like playing basketball. Don’t be surprised if the Nets are finally done with Simmons and buy him out of his last year. Regardless, it would seem this injury will cost the Nets any chance at a playoff spot.
Bulls – Not that they are new injuries but it’s confirmed that both Zach Lavine and Lonzo Ball are out for the remainder of the season. Currently sitting in 9th place, it is likely that the plucky Bulls led by Demar Derozan will end up in the play-in and may possibly make it through to face Boston or the Bucks in the first round. Without one or the other it would be a near impossible task to beat either of those teams in a 7 game series. With both of them out, Demar simply won’t have the help he needs. These injuries will result in the Bulls winning no playoff rounds.
Knicks – Julius Randle is supposed to be back within another week or so and if that’s true, then the Knicks are healthy and ready to go for the postseason. The Knicks are currently 4th in the East but only 2 ½ games out of 8th spot so if the injury is aggravated or takes additional time to heal, the Knicks could end up with Boston as a first round opponent instead of say the inexperienced Magic. That difference will be enough to make the difference between winning a round or going out in disappointing style once again.
Grizzlies – With Ja out for the season and another 11 players on the injury list, the 13th place Grizz aren’t likely to be making any waves this season.
Timberwolves – Listed as being re-evaluated April 20th, it remains to be seen if Karl Anthony Towns will in fact make it back to the court this season. Currently sitting in 3rd place in the Western Conference, Towns is a huge part of the team’s success contributing 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists per game this season. Moreover he is the team leader and the most respected voice in the locker room. Even without Towns, it’s difficult to see them losing 5 games to the Pelicans and falling out of the top 4. However, if he doesn’t return for the playoffs and the Wolves end up facing the Lakers in the first round, it is likely they will lose and a truly promising season will fizzle out dismally.
Lakers – Hanging around in 9th spot, it is starting to feel like the play-in was made for the Lakers. No long term injuries yet this year, but definitely one of the teams completely dependent on their 2 stars. Any mid to long term injury to either Davis or James injury and their playoff hopes will evaporate.
76ers – Joel Embiid has been out since Jan 30th and is not expected back before the last week of the season sometime in April. They were 4th in the East when he went out and have dropped to 7th over the 6 weeks he’s been out. Almost certainly a play-in team this year, his injury will likely result in the 76ers not even making it out of the first round, derailing a very promising year.
Clippers – Kawhi Leonard continues to be one of the best players in the league when healthy, but healthy seems to be fleeting. He’s out again, this time with back spasms. In the hotly contested Western Conference every game is important for seeding. Only 2 games ahead of the Pelicans for 4th place and homecourt, if this injury lasts for any length of time it may well have a derogatory effect on the Clippers chances in the first round.
Of course your Toronto Raptors have a touch of the injury bug as well with Scottie being out for the season but the playoffs were never part of the equation for Toronto this year.
There you have it. Several promising seasons are on the line and several franchises are stumbling just at the worst time of the year. Good luck to them all and I hope the best for all these injured players.