Shortened NBA Season Means More for Injured Players

Once the NBA lockout was officially over and the new 18-week season began, there was immediate talk of what the 18-week long season would mean for players. Tighter schedules, hectic travel time, and simple fatigue, especially among the older players, were thought to be of the highest concern. Now just a couple of weeks in, it looks like injuries will also play a major role. Because when players only have 18 weeks (14 or 15 if they don’t make the playoffs,) taking even two weeks off means missing a whole lot of the season. Here’s a look at the list of current injuries, and how long players are expected to be out.

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors — Curry had surgery done on his right ankle back in May, but it gave him trouble long before even then. Now the ankle has been sprained once again and even after a week’s recovery, there’s still no talk of Curry’s return. And with an ankle that’s hit or miss, and a return to the game that was too quick in the past, there’s no doubt that Curry, his coach, and his GM are going to make sure that the ankle is 100% before he returns. While worrisome, it’s been said that the injury is not career-threatening, nor has any structural damage been done.

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs — To say he was having a great season when he broke his left hand on January 2 is a bit of an overstatement, since the season had only started a week prior to the injury. And even though Ginobili did look to be off to a promising start, the Spurs have done okay without him too. Good thing, since it’s predicted that he’ll be out for the next six weeks, returning in the middle of February.

Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets — Lopez was out two days before the season officially begun, after having surgery on his right foot on December 23. It’s said that he’s out for at least 4 — 6 weeks, but the team is putting no timetable on his return. It is expected that he’ll be back this season.

Mehmet Okur, New Jersey Nets — What’s worse than being without your starter center? Having your backup also out with injury! Set to replace Lopez, Okur stepped in but may be stepping out due to back spasms. They kept him out earlier when he just started filling in for Lopez and although he has returned, some still don’t have complete trust in his health.

Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat — If there’s anything that can slow down the Miami Thrice, it might be Dwyane Wade’s injury. His sprained ankle has kept him out of a couple of games, and even when he’s gone on the court, it’s been clear that he hasn’t been in top form. In addition to the ankle injury, it’s rumored that a strained calf and a bruised left foot are also bothering Wade.

Injuries are never good. But when a shortened season is involved, they can be disastrous and have effects felt throughout the league. Over the next few, short weeks the season has left, we’ll keep you updated on these injuries, and more as they occur.

Categorized in: NBA