NBA Preview: Key Players to Monitor in the Central Division

The 2025 NBA season tips off with injury storylines already looming large. Several high-profile players are returning from major surgeries or long rehab processes, while others carry lingering durability concerns that could dictate their availability throughout the year. As the season begins, medical staffs will be tasked with balancing recovery, workload management, and the demands of an 82-game grind. Early setbacks or re-aggravations could shift team trajectories quickly, making health one of the most important factors in determining how this season plays out. Here is a preview of the Central Division as the NBA regular season approaches.

Milwaukee Bucks - Myles Turner

The biggest free agent acquisition has missed some preseason time with a calf injury, including the final preseason game. He’s had a history of foot injuries, particularly with plantar fasciitis, which could be a cause for the calf issues he’s currently dealing with, but there is no expectation of him missing time to start the season as the season begins on Tuesday.

Chicago Bulls - Coby White

Coby White has been working his way back from a calf strain he suffered in August. He has been limited in training camp and hasn’t participated in any preseason action. It seems as if there wasn’t enough time for him to ramp up into the flow of things; however, it sounds like he will be good to go for Opening Night. With the cautious approach the Bulls have taken for their star guard, expect him to have a minute restriction as he eases back into things.

Cleveland Cavaliers - Darius Garland

Darius Garland is going into this season still dealing with the big left toe injury he suffered last year. Initially, he only missed two games but aggravated the injury in Game 2 of their playoff series versus the Heat, which caused him to miss 4 more games. There was a notable dip in his efficiency scoring the ball following both of these injuries. He underwent surgery in early June, and although he started participating in basketball activities during camp, the Cavaliers don’t seem to be in a rush to bring him back. We expect him to miss the first couple of weeks of the season.

Indiana Pacers - TJ McConnell

TJ McConnell injured his left hamstring in the Pacers’ first preseason game on October 9th. Coach Carlisle said he will be out for at least a month, and this will hurt the Pacers massively as TJ was expected to take over a lot of the playmaking duties while Haliburton is out. With this injury, the Pacers signed veteran Cameron Payne for depth, but it is expected for Andrew Nembhard to step up into that starting point guard role.

Detroit Pistons - Jaden Ivey

Ivey underwent an arthroscopic procedure to relieve right knee discomfort and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. The procedure and discomfort are unrelated to the fibula injury Ivey suffered last season, per the Pistons' press release, but this is still a massive hit to Detroit's backcourt. The Pistons were one of the pleasant surprises of the East last year, and expectations for them are much higher this season.

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