NBA Opening Week: 12 Key Players Injured, 3 Teams Winless
Anthony Edwards and Jalen Williams headline a wave of injuries across the league as Miami and Golden State struggle to find footing.
By Isaac Medina ·
The NBA's first week delivered a mix of severe injuries and winless records, forcing teams to adjust rosters and alter expectations. Anthony Edwards, the league's second-leading scorer, is out for up to two months with a right knee issue, while Jalen Williams suffered a serious injury against the Clippers and is expected to miss significant time. Across the league, teams including the Heat and Warriors have failed to secure wins, prompting discussions about roster depth and immediate future.
The list of unavailable players is extensive. Kawhi Leonard will sit out for a period of weeks due to swelling in his right knee. The Jazz will be without a player for six to eight weeks following an MCL tear, while others are sidelined for four to six weeks with ankle sprains or re-evaluations for knee bruises. Jalen Duren is out for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain, and several players, including Kristaps Porziņģis, have yet to play. Ben Simmons suffered an Achilles injury before appearing in a single regular-season game for Sacramento.
The Oklahoma City Thunder face a significant challenge to their roster. Jalen Williams, who played 33 games last season, was injured against the Clippers, and Cason Wallace is out with a torn labrum. Alex Caruso, expected to take on a larger role, sprained his ankle after nine minutes against the Suns and is listed as out for the upcoming game in Dallas.
Despite these setbacks, Oklahoma City remains a contender in the Western Conference. FanDuel lists the Thunder at +380 to win the conference and the Finals, trailing only the Spurs at +280. The team's depth will be tested as Ajay Mitchell, who scored a career-high 30 points against the Suns, and Jared McCain are called upon to fill the gap. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the central figure in the lineup.
The New York Knicks secured their first win of the season by defeating the Pistons. This followed an 0-3 start, the worst opening for a defending champion since the Mavericks dropped their first three games 15 years ago. Karl-Anthony Towns has averaged 22.5 points and 14 rebounds per game. Jalen Brunson stated that securing the first win did "a lot" for the team's psyche.
The Denver Nuggets are 1-2 after a 23-point comeback against the Pelicans in overtime. Nikola Jokić commented on fans who booed, stating, "I think those fans that booed, they don't need to come anymore." The team subsequently lost to the Warriors by 20 points at home.
The Golden State Warriors hold a 1-3 record, with their only victory coming against the Nuggets. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg ranks second on the team in scoring and first in rebounds. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are recovering from knee injuries, and Porziņģis is considering his future in basketball. Stephen Curry signed a two-year, $115 million extension during the offseason.
The Miami Heat are 0-4 following losses to the Wolves, Pistons, Hornets, and Mavericks. Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the team's position, stating, "I've been in this position before. I lost five in a row, I lost seven in a row.. I don't like this feeling." The team is evaluating roster construction and player fit following the offseason acquisition.
