As the NBA’s regular season comes to a close, teams are fighting to position themselves for deep playoff runs. As teams jockey for seeding, there have been a slew of injuries to stars and key role players, which could have an impact on this year’s playoff race. Let’s take a look at some of the teams that have been bitten hardest by the injury bug.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State has had players on and off the injury report all season, but none have been out of action as frequently as Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP faces sitting out the first round of the playoffs after spraining his MCL a week ago, which is just his latest ailment this year. Golden State fans shouldn’t be overly concerned, though, as the Warriors have the luxury of …show more content…
It’s unlikely they’ll get bounced in the first round of the playoffs, but if Curry can’t return at full strength, the Warriors could face trouble in the second round or Conference Finals.
Boston Celtics
Arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference (maybe even the NBA), the Celtics looked like a true challenger to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season. Even without star free agent acquisition Gordon Hayward, Boston was a well-oiled basketball machine, helmed by the flashy Kyrie Irving. Irving, however, is likely out for at least the rest of the regular season after undergoing knee surgery last week.
To make matters worse for head coach Brad Stevens’ squad, Boston’s best defender, Marcus Smart, suffered a season-ending thumb injury earlier this month. Smart, who the Celtics hope can return to the team during the playoffs, is a versatile guard that can defend the perimeter. He also has the size, strength and savvy to guard taller players on the block. A dark horse Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Smart will be sorely missed as the Celtics limp into the …show more content…
The Spurs are simply a different team; a team with no true shot at title contention without him on the court.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Though the Thunder’s core of Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony remain healthy, the team lost of significant part of their identity when wing Andre Roberson went down for the season in January with a ruptured patellar tendon. Roberson was the team’s best perimeter defender, and George has now been forced into a role where he often guards the opposing team’s best player.
George is a great defender, but expending more energy on that end of the court means his offensive impact could be mitigated. Combined with Anthony’s recent struggles from the field, Oklahoma City could struggle offensively when the postseason rolls around. Luckily for the Thunder, veteran acquisition Corey Brewer has played surprisingly well in Roberson’s absence and has established himself as a key role player for head coach Billy Donovan’s team.
New Orleans
Golden State Warriors
Golden State has had players on and off the injury report all season, but none have been out of action as frequently as Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP faces sitting out the first round of the playoffs after spraining his MCL a week ago, which is just his latest ailment this year. Golden State fans shouldn’t be overly concerned, though, as the Warriors have the luxury of …show more content…
It’s unlikely they’ll get bounced in the first round of the playoffs, but if Curry can’t return at full strength, the Warriors could face trouble in the second round or Conference Finals.
Boston Celtics
Arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference (maybe even the NBA), the Celtics looked like a true challenger to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this season. Even without star free agent acquisition Gordon Hayward, Boston was a well-oiled basketball machine, helmed by the flashy Kyrie Irving. Irving, however, is likely out for at least the rest of the regular season after undergoing knee surgery last week.
To make matters worse for head coach Brad Stevens’ squad, Boston’s best defender, Marcus Smart, suffered a season-ending thumb injury earlier this month. Smart, who the Celtics hope can return to the team during the playoffs, is a versatile guard that can defend the perimeter. He also has the size, strength and savvy to guard taller players on the block. A dark horse Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Smart will be sorely missed as the Celtics limp into the …show more content…
The Spurs are simply a different team; a team with no true shot at title contention without him on the court.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Though the Thunder’s core of Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony remain healthy, the team lost of significant part of their identity when wing Andre Roberson went down for the season in January with a ruptured patellar tendon. Roberson was the team’s best perimeter defender, and George has now been forced into a role where he often guards the opposing team’s best player.
George is a great defender, but expending more energy on that end of the court means his offensive impact could be mitigated. Combined with Anthony’s recent struggles from the field, Oklahoma City could struggle offensively when the postseason rolls around. Luckily for the Thunder, veteran acquisition Corey Brewer has played surprisingly well in Roberson’s absence and has established himself as a key role player for head coach Billy Donovan’s team.
New Orleans