Load management in the NBA is not a new topic, but it has received new debate with the slew of injuries to major stars affecting the playoffs.
With the second round not even at its midpoint, five of the eight first round series’ had a significant injury and three of the four second round series are still affected by injury.
Here is a summary of the playoff injuries thus far:
Giannis Antetokounmpo - lower back contusion (April 16) - missed Games 2 and 3 against Heat
Joel Embiid - right knee sprain in Game 3 of Round 1 (April 20) - missed two games
Chris Paul - left groin strain in Game 2 (May 1) - will be reevaluated in a week
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
Leonard: torn meniscus in Game 2 (April 18), missed Games 3, 4, and 5
Paul George: right knee hyperextension and PCL sprain on March 21: missed final nine regular season games and five playoff games
Jimmy Butler (right ankle sprain in Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1, missed Game 2)
Tyler Herro, broken hand on April 16
Victor Oladipo, torn patellar tendon on April 22
Julius Randle (left ankle sprain reaggravation) on April 26, missed 1 game
De’Aaron Fox - avulsion fracture in right index finger - no missed games but limited effectiveness
Dr. David Chao discussed load management on the March 22 podcast with Nick Wright. Listen below:
2023 NBA Finals Odds
Arguably the two healthiest teams remaining in the playoffs are the favorites to win the title.
The Celtics are at +180 and the Nuggets are at +390 followed by the Lakers and 76ers at +600 and the Warriors at +650.
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