Overview
- The NBA convened a panel after seven Achilles tears this season—up from zero the previous year—and is deploying AI tools to analyze game footage for risk patterns.
- Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and Bucks guard Damian Lillard all suffered Achilles ruptures in the playoffs and are expected to miss most of the 2025-26 campaign.
- Unhindered by major injuries, the Cavaliers return their core roster and enter next season as +275 favorites to win the Eastern Conference at leading sportsbooks.
- The Knicks bolstered their lineup with Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns under a yet-to-be-named coach, the Magic added Desmond Bane to improve floor spacing and the 76ers could contend if Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey remain healthy.
- Medical experts point to early sport specialization, offseason workload and equipment changes as possible contributors, while Commissioner Silver says season length alone does not explain the uptick in Achilles injuries.