October 20th marked the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season, and already, there are over 90 players listed on the injury list as of October 28. In fact, the number is currently hovering between 93 and 94 across the league’s 30 teams. While a number of those on the list have been struggling with health issues since last season or ran into medical issues during preseason (i.e., Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons), some big names have been sidelined with only eight days into the start of the season.
Let’s see, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards is preparing to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, with a possible December or January return. The Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton came back into the new season after being out last year with a torn right Achilles tendon, and now won’t be playing for several games due to a left hamstring strain. And the Oklahoma Thunder are struggling with a few injuries. Jalen Williams and Carson Wallace are expected to be out for months, and Alex Caruso was recently added to the injury list with an ankle sprain.
All that being said, what should basketball fans make of all the early injuries?
Are There More Injuries in the NBA This Year?
If we’re comparing this NBA season to last year this time, you may be surprised to learn there were actually over 100 injuries reported on October 28, 2025, according to the NBA’s injury report. So while this year it seems the health issues are overwhelming, they don’t quite live up to last year’s numbers.
Arguably, this year just seems more alarming given the number of starters who are out. Again, Edwards, Haliburton, Butler, Kristaps Porziņģis, and others being sidelined is a blow to the respective franchises, and likely shifts power dynamics early across the league. In the West, Oklahoma and Minnesota were seen as early favorites to come out of the conference, but experiencing bumpy starts to the season, the teams face big question marks.
That being said, even a healthy squad like the Miami Heat is facing big question marks this season with a 0-4 start. As a Heat fan, I feel uniquely qualified to call out the squad, as there have been high hopes for the Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo duo. The usual defensive presence of the squad seems off, and the offensive firepower promised on paper is leaving a bit to be desired. However, it’s still early, so I’m sure head coach Erik Spoelstra will right the ship.
Related: ‘Mongoose’ Review: Liam Neeson’s On-the-Run Thriller Is His Best Since ‘Taken’