"Injuries are piling up across the league" - Brian Windhorst credits NBA star’s injuries for small teams to creep up the rankings
Injuries have become a big concern for NBA teams. One bright spot about injuries is that lesser-known players are given an opportunity to showcase their skills.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst explains how the rise in injuries across the league has impacted the standings.
"We've seen an incredible pile up in recent days that are really affecting some teams that we consider serious championship contenders," Windhorst said.
"These are affecting the standings, they are allowing teams like Washington [Wizards] and Indiana [Pacers] to creep up there. The Sacramento Kings have been healthy and they've creeped up in the standings."
"Now, we are getting a setback there as injuries are piling up across the league."
Windhorst pointed out that the injuries have allowed lesser talented teams to overachieve. Most teams around the league are dealing with injuries. But some are struggling more than others. This has led to some unexpected results.
Also read: NBA Injury Report: Kawhi Leonard out, Jayson Tatum questionable and more updates on Bam Adebayo and Scottie Barnes | November 23, 2022
Which team in the NBA has no injured players?
According to Covers.com, the Sacramento Kings are the only team without an injured player. This explains why they've been so successful. The Kings have a 10-6 record and have won seven straight games. But you can't pin their success on the health of the roster. They deserve credit for how they are playing.
The Kings have performed their best even against tough teams. During their winning streak, they have beat star studded teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies. These are all playoff caliber teams with championship aspirations.
If they remain healthy, the Kings could have home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Top 5 NBA stars who are injured this season
Here are the top five players across the NBA who have been on the sidelines due to injury.
#5 Chris Paul
Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul suffered a heel injury during a game against the Philadelpha 76ers on November 7. He's missed seven straight games. There is no timetable for his return.
Chris Paul (heel) listed out for Tuesday.
#4 Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton hasn't played a game this season due to a wrist injury. Middleton was assigned to the G-League's Wisconsin Herd today for conditioning purposes. He's expected to return to the Bucks' lineup in the coming days.
#3 LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has missed four straight games after reinjuring his ankle against the Indiana Pacers last week. Ball missed the first 13 games of the season due to the same ankle injury. He appeared in just three games before finding himself on the sidelines again.
LaMelo Ball rolls his ankles after stepping on a fan's foot.
He had a game-high 26 PTS (5/8 3PT) & 6 AST
https://t.co/3I7OlcbYRV
#2 LeBron James
LA Lakers star LeBron James has missed five straight games due to a left adductor strain. The 18-time All-Star sustained the injury during a loss against the LA Clippers in November 9. The Lakers are 3-2 in his absence.
#1 Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has missed most of the season due to a knee injury. He has averaged just 22.4 minutes in five games. He has come off the bench twice. Leonard's returning to action tonight against the Golden State Warriors.
Also read: LeBron James Injury Update: LA Lakers star to return from injury on Friday against San Antonio Spurs