Injuries are making news as the 2025 Playoffs get more exciting by the day. The playoffs have been unpredictable not only for the excitement they bring but also due to the numerous injuries affecting top players. Injuries are tossing out the traditional playoff storylines and having everyone adjust their expectations.
Let’s examine the most significant injuries, assess who's feeling the brunt of it and consider what the consequences will be for the remaining rounds.
Jayson Tatum’s Ankle Injury
With Jayson Tatum carrying an injury, the Boston Celtics’ chances are suddenly up in the air.
In the final game of the playoff round, he suffered a sprain in his right ankle. Every step he took after that was uncomfortable. Tatum often creates the best looks for himself and his teammates by opening up space on the court. If he’s not at his normal self, the Celtics could become much easier to beat.
Jaylen has taken over as the team’s go-to guy, but putting that much pressure on him every game is tough. That’s a tough ask. Boston still has depth, but their backs need to handle a star’s job right now. Should Tatum’s ankle not heal quickly, the Celtics might struggle to reach the Finals.
Steph Curry’s Foot Injury
Golden State has lost in the playoffs, and it can arguably be traced back to the troubles Steph Curry is having with his foot.
For weeks, the Warriors kept his injury under wraps, calling it a simple foot problem. But the fact that he was nowhere to be seen in Game 6 spoke volumes. Steph’s absence left a gap in orchestration when sharing the ball and making shots.
Reports indicate that he's been dealing with a long-lasting and troublesome injury to his arch ligament. Debate is swirling that the Warriors’ run of championships may be over, given the recent injuries to Draymond Green and the injuries that forced Steph Curry to miss Game 5. Should this be true, they'd have an amazing run.
Giannis’ Knee Issue
Although the Bucks are still in the playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to be struggling with an apparent injury.
Since a knee knockdown in Game 3, Giannis had a game off and returned somewhat hindered. He’s producing like normal while steering clear of challenges and softening his efforts in the paint.
Middleton and Lopez have carried the Bucks in place of Giannis, and they’ve been quite effective. The Bucks will make a serious run only if Giannis returns to his top form.
Some Important Contributors Have Also Been Dealing With Injuries
Just as many supporting players battle injuries that could determine who cruises to the finals.
- Derrick White from Boston sustained an injury and is finding it tough to play in Game 1. Both his defence and shooting have proved to be valuable for the team throughout the regular season.
- Maxey is currently fighting a small hamstring injury. The Sixers will count on Maxey’s quickness and stamina while Embiid recovers from his injury.
- Anunoby has been playing through pain in his hip for the Raptors. His absence could prove costly if Toronto manages to keep playing.
Injuries Are Changing the Whole Dynamic of the Playoffs
The impact of injuries is being felt throughout the entire playoff run. A few teams that had been counted out in the playoff picture are now contenders again. Indiana is soaring due to the return of their key players and some serious teamwork. In the meantime, contenders such as the Celtics and the Bucks are limping along and counting on their best players to gut out the injuries.
The Clippers are doing far better than people realise. They're slowly bringing Paul George back into form, and Kawhi’s absence might give the Clippers a real chance to surprise some people.
The odds are changing dramatically day by day, and for any fantasy basketball player, this postseason has shown just how unpredictable it can be.
Here’s the truth. In the playoffs, you need both talent and the right mindset, team chemistry and a little bit of luck with injuries to succeed.
This year’s NBA Playoffs have been exciting, heartbreaking and wild all the way through, and the championship series is still on the horizon. This playoffs could be known as the season where teams’ fortunes were shaped more by their supporting casts than by their star players.
What we know is that the playoffs will continue, and every injury, inflammation or missed opportunity could change everything.
Also Read: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Full Schedule, Matchups, and Predictions
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
