Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
June 2025
Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland had surgery on his left big toe and is expected to be sidelined for 4–5 months, likely missing the start of the next NBA season.
Garland first injured the toe in March, aggravated it in the playoffs, and opted for surgery after struggling through postseason games. The team expects a full recovery by training camp in October.
Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)
Injury earlier this week; surgery planned soon
Grizzlies center Zach Edey re-sprained his left ankle during offseason training and will undergo surgery. The All-Rookie first-team pick is expected to miss the start of the 2025–26 season but will fully recover.
The surgery aims to restabilize an ankle that caused missed time during the season. Despite injury setbacks, Edey led all rookies in FG% and rebounds, logging 12 double-doubles and finishing 5th in Rookie of the Year voting.
Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
June 5, 2025
Towns has undergone treatment for a bruised left knee and ligament damage in his left finger, both sustained during the Knicks’ playoff run.
Despite the injuries, he excelled in the playoffs and chose immediate procedures post-season to maximize recovery time for 2025-26.
Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
June 1, 2024 (Game 6 vs. Knicks)
Jarace Walker left Game 6 on crutches with a right ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the NBA Finals. The 2023 No. 8 pick exited after playing just seven minutes and scoring two points.
Walker was hurt early in the fourth quarter while defending a drive. His leg bent awkwardly and he collapsed, needing two trainers to help him off. Coach Rick Carlisle remains uncertain if the rookie can recover in four days.
Aaron Nesmith (Indiana Pacers)
Game 4, Tuesday, May 28
Nesmith will play in Game 4 despite a right ankle sprain sustained in Game 3 against the Knicks.
After limping off, Nesmith returned late in Game 3 and has now been cleared. He’s averaged 15.1 PPG and played a key defensive role on Jalen Brunson.
Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
Confirmed on Tuesday, May 28
Russell Westbrook is undergoing surgery on his right hand to repair two fractures sustained during the season.
Despite playing 75 games with heavy finger taping in the playoffs, the 36-year-old now enters recovery. He has until June 29 to decide on a $3.3M player option.
Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors)
Surgery completed on Wednesday, May 2025
Warriors guard Moses Moody had surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. The team confirmed the 22-year-old is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp.
The procedure was performed in Los Angeles after Moody sustained the injury late in the season. He is coming off his best NBA campaign to date, averaging 9.8 points in the regular season and 7.1 in the playoffs. Moody is entering the first year of a three-year, $37.5 million extension.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
Final month of 2024-25 season
Jaylen Brown played through a partially torn right meniscus during the end of the season and playoffs, receiving pain injections since March. He averaged 22.1 points and 7.1 rebounds in the postseason.
Despite the injury, Brown modified his game and pushed through pain to help the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference semifinals. He’ll be evaluated this week to determine if surgery is needed
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 14, 2025 (Game 5 vs. Indiana Pacers)
Despite a sprained left ankle, Donovan Mitchell is starting for the Cavaliers in their must-win Game 5 against the Pacers. He had missed the second half of Game 4 due to the injury and was listed as questionable.
Mitchell participated in shootaround and went through his pregame routine, indicating his availability. His presence boosts Cleveland’s chances as they face elimination. Sam Merrill (neck strain) is out.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
May 2025 (injured in Game 4 vs. Knicks on Monday night, surgery Tuesday afternoon)
Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered late in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. No timetable has been given for his return.
Tatum, who had scored 42 points, collapsed in pain with three minutes remaining. He was carried off the court, unable to walk. His absence is a devastating blow to Boston’s playoff and 2025-26 season hopes.
