Injuries on the NBA
Injuries in the National Basketball Association have become far too familiar in the modern era as (and despite) athletes evolving into bigger, faster, stronger specimens. Basketball involves constant movements, including running, jumping, pivoting, and continual changes of direction, repeatedly putting pressure on the lower half of the body.
In this age of legal gambling, NBA odds are often fluctuating based on injury reports and the relatively new concept of load management. Bettors must be aware of player statuses before placing their NBA picks, perhaps more than ever.
Types of Basketball Injuries
Leg Injuries
The most common types of injuries in basketball all occur in the lower extremities. The legs, knees, feet, and ankles suffer the most, with ankle sprains appearing most often on the medical logs. These vary in severity, with mild sprains sidelining players for as little as a week and severe sprains sitting them down for multiple months.
There are a wide array of knee injuries and ailments that NBA players deal with regularly. Knee soreness can be vague (an excuse for load management), but it can also be serious and certainly worth monitoring so it doesn’t worsen.
Torn ACLs Injuries
Torn ACLs aren’t exclusive to the NFL as it once may have seemed, either. Marquis names like Klay Thompson and John Wall have been forced to miss significant playing time with the injury that routinely shelves their gridiron counterparts. Same thing for achilles injuries, derailing full seasons for Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins, among others.
Other Injuries
Of course, the injury bug doesn’t discriminate as the upper half of the body isn’t immune either. Just take Joel Embiid, for example. The two-time MVP runner-up has twice been forced to wear a mask in his career thanks to orbital bone fractures, though he played through the pain and inconvenience each time.
The 76ers’ center also dealt with a torn ligament in his thumb during the 2022 postseason. While he continued to suit up, he wasn’t his dominant self and played a huge part in his team getting eliminated in the second round for the fourth time in his career.
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NBA Injuries FAQs
Injuries in the NBA have become quite common due to the physically demanding nature of the sport. Basketball involves constant movements, including running, jumping, and pivoting, which put significant strain on the lower extremities. The modern era of athletes being bigger, faster, and stronger has also contributed to the occurrence of injuries.
Injuries can have a significant impact on NBA odds and betting outcomes. When key players are sidelined due to injuries, it can lead to fluctuations in odds and affect the overall performance of a team. Bettors need to stay informed about player statuses and injury reports before making their NBA picks.
The most common types of injuries in basketball are leg injuries, with ankle sprains being among the most frequent. Knee injuries, including soreness and more severe conditions, are also prevalent. Additionally, injuries to the ACL and Achilles tendon can be particularly devastating and lengthy in recovery.
Upper-body injuries, though less common, can still significantly impact NBA players and their performance. Injuries like orbital bone fractures can require players to wear protective gear like masks. Torn ligaments in the thumb or other upper-body injuries can affect a player’s shooting and overall game performance.
Load management is a relatively new concept in the NBA, focusing on carefully managing a player’s playing time and workload to prevent injuries and maintain their long-term health. It is important because it helps reduce the risk of injuries, especially in cases where players are prone to overexertion or fatigue.