NBA Preview: Key Players to Monitor in the Southeast 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 Southeast Division as the NBA regular season approaches.

Miami Heat - Tyler Herro

He underwent surgery on his left foot, which is expected to have him out for at least 8 weeks. He had posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle. He dealt with an impingement in his foot last season; however, he finally decided to get surgery on it this summer after suffering an ankle injury during an offseason workout. Manu Ginobili dealt with the same issue and missed time from the end of August 2008 and returned to the NBA season at the end of November 2008. Manu underwent an arthroscopic surgery; his injury also came from playing through previous ankle injuries due to his desire to play for Argentina’s Olympic team.

Miami Heat - Bam Adebayo

Add a bio: He had been dealing with a minor knee issue stemming from a preseason game in which he sustained a knee contusion, but in the final preseason game, he scored 23 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out five assists in 26 minutes. That's a very positive sign for his being available on NBA Opening Night.

Orlando Magic - Jalen Suggs

Suggs’ season was disrupted by a chain of injuries: first a back strain, then a quadriceps/thigh issue leading into the knee problem, culminating in surgery that ended his season prematurely. While the underlying issue was with his left knee, the earlier back/spasms/quad problems likely complicated his load and rehab approach. If Suggs enters the season at or near full strength, he should be a key piece for Orlando and make a noticeable jump. The major caveat is his health — if he can stay available and ramp into his role without major hiccups, this could be a breakout year. But if he stumbles or is managed conservatively early, we might see a delayed kick-off before he hits his stride.

Orlando Magic - Paolo Banchero

He was playing at an elite level before an oblique injury disrupted his season last year. He was able to maintain his excellent level of play, though the absence was an extensive one. If he can have a fully healthy season, expect Banchero to post numbers around 25-28 points, 7-8 rebounds, 4-5 assists per game. He should be a legitimate candidate for All-Star and maybe All-NBA if his efficiency holds up and the team improves. For the Magic, the goal is to move from playoff-participant to serious contender, and Banchero’s health and growth are critical to that leap. If he avoids major setbacks and plays close to a full season, this could be a breakout year in terms of both individual impact and team success.

Charlotte Hornets - LaMelo Ball

While Ball’s production when he’s on the court is strong, durability has been a recurring concern due to the ankle (and as of last season, wrist) issues. His many ankle injuries throughout his career finally culminated in him undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle for an ankle impingement in March 2025. LaMelo Ball’s ceiling remains high, and the 2025-26 season could be a major turning point: either he solidifies himself as a durable, All-Star-level floor-leader, or his recurring injuries continue to limit his impact.

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