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Injuries significantly marred the 2025 NBA playoffs, and unfortunately, a similar pattern will persist at the start of the new season. Up to 12 active or former All-Stars will be on the shelf when the 2025-26 season kicks off on Tuesday. While there is optimism that some of these stars will return imminently, several others have already been ruled out for extended periods due to the severity of their injuries. LeBron James For the first time in his career, LeBron James (sciatica) will miss a season opener when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. James will become the first player in NBA history to play a 23rd season, but he won't be on the court when it starts. Return timeline: ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Lakers will take "a patient approach" to James' rehab, and don't expect him to resume basketball activities until at least mid-November. Jalen Williams Fresh off capturing his first NBA title, the Oklahoma City Thunder star is recovering from wrist surgery, which forced him to miss training camp. He won't suit up in Tuesday's opener against the Houston Rockets. Return timeline: ESPN's Tim MacMahon reports that the Thunder don't expect Williams to "miss an extended stretch" of games. Williams confirmed a huge step in his recovery this month, as he was seen practicing without a brace on his injured wrist. Tyler Herro The Miami Heat guard made his first All-Star team last season, averaging a career-high 23.9 points and 5.5 assists. He won't be able to carry forward his momentum just yet, after having ankle surgery shortly before the start of training camp. Return timeline: The Heat announced on Sept. 19 that Herro will miss "around eight weeks," meaning he will likely be out for at least the first 16 games. A return in late-November seems plausible. Domantas Sabonis The NBA's rebound king—who has led the league in boards for three seasons—is dealing with a hamstring strain that will keep him out of the Sacramento Kings' season opener against the Phoenix Suns. The Kings are expected to start Drew Eubanks or Dario Saric in his stead. Return timeline: The Kings announced on Oct. 18 that Sabonis will be reevaluated in a week, per Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports. Since it's a grade 1 strain, he isn't expected to miss much time. De'Aaron Fox The athletic guard was held out of preseason with a hamstring strain, less than six months after undergoing a season-ending surgery to repair his left pinkie finger. The injuries have thus far robbed fans of the anticipated Victor Wembanyama-Fox pairing. Return timeline: According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, the Spurs are "encouraged" by Fox's progress, but won't rush him back, given their backcourt depth that includes Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Other All-Stars sidelined There is no return timeline for the likes of Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Damian Lillard (Achilles), Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Kyrie Irving (ACL) and Fred VanVleet (ACL), who are dealing with significant injuries. While Haliburton and Lillard have already been ruled out for the entire 2025-26 season, the Celtics still hope Tatum can return. As for Irving, the Mavericks guard is unwilling to set a timeline for his return. Other notable players who miss the start of the 2025-26 season include Darius Garland (toe), Paul George (knee) Coby White (calf), Jalen Green (hamstring), Zach Edey (ankle) and Jaden Ivey (ankle).
