NBA Injury Analysis from Pro Football Doc: Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Zion Williamson and More

From Achilles surgery to back troubles, several NBA superstars enter the 2025–26 season recovering from major injuries. Dr. David Chao breaks down the health status, recovery timelines, and realistic expectations for Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson — explaining who’s ready, who’s risky, and who might surprise by spring.

Jayson Tatum - Achilles

Tatum suffered an Achilles rupture in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in May 2025, requiring surgery less than 24 hours later

"He can dunk on me and he’s not close to ready yet. Look, the best chance for him to return is the fact that he really, really, really wants to and is working hard. It's possible that he can come back, but how good he’ll be depends on how early he comes back. I'm not down on Achilles tendon recoveries. Look, I'm the first guy to say Aaron Rodgers actually could have come back in December — maybe not as early as he said, but the Jets would be out of it by then. Now, if the Celtics are in it, he can help. He can come back. How early he comes back, how effective he is, is a different story. But it's not impossible that he can come back — he's just not gonna be Jason Tatum on Christmas Day. Could he help the Celtics in a late playoff run? Maybe."

Joel Embiid - Knee

Embiid only played in 19 games last season and was officially shut down on February 28th when the Sixers announced Embiid is "medically unable to play."

"He's got veteran knees, all right. He's been through a lot — from a stress fracture in his back to his foot and other things. He's our modern-day, and I say this in the kindest and best of ways because I love him — he passed away recently — an all-time NBA player from San Diego. I just actually saw some of his family members at a charity fundraiser last week — Bill Walton. Bill Walton's career was amazing. He had a ton of injury issues that shortened his career from super greatness. He’s just great greatness as opposed to super greatness. Lots of issues, and Embiid’s the same — big, powerful guy, when he’s on, when he’s healthy, oh my gosh. And I’ve seen him that way, but he’s kind of been more of a shell of himself. Look, load management, get him through the season, get him whatever you can, but yeah — I mean, worried."

LeBron James - Sciatica

The Lakers announced that James was dealing with a sciatica-related issue on his right side he would miss the first few weeks of the season.

"LeBron has been amazing. I would never use “injury-prone” to describe him. He had an extensive back issue with the Cavaliers in 2014–15, then again in 2015–16. From 2016 through 2018, the back issues were less frequent, but reportedly, he received injections and kept going with the Lakers, then had some back stiffness. He’s had a decade of back issues on and off.

I’m relatively optimistic about LeBron James. Why? If I read the tea leaves here, yes, he’s got an extensive history, so I should be more worried — but to me, this smells of load management. How do they already know it’s three or four weeks? This is basically, “Can I skip the preseason?” And I get it. The regular season is here, but we joke that this is the NBA’s preseason."

Anthony Davis - Detached Retina

Davis underwent a procedure in July to repair a detached retina that he suffered during the season last year.

"Don’t worry about Anthony Davis. I actually like how he always recovers. I don’t blame him for being called injury-prone. Goggles? Good for him. He’s a tall guy battling in the trenches, getting poked in the eye by smaller players and catching elbows all the time. Smart move for protection — a detached retina is no joke. But no big deal here, he’s fine. No issue. High marks — healthy."

Zion Williamson - Back

Williamson was shut down in March due to an ongoing back injury. Williams has played 30 games or fewer for the fourth time in six years.

"The weight is the key. If his weight is down, I think most of his other issues will be fine — from the Jones fracture to the hamstring strain to the low back problems. If he’s trimmed down and in shape, that’s a great sign. And in a contract year, good for him."

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