The 2026–27 NBA season tips off on Wednesday, and already, at least three NBA players won’t be seeing action at all after suffering season-ending injuries. Indeed, the NBA is truly back—and so are the injuries. Here are five that happened in this preseason alone:
Ariel Hukporti – Torn Right Achilles Tendon
While playing against his former team, the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers big man Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending tear of his right Achilles tendon at the 7:08 mark of the first quarter during their preseason game on October 5.
The 2026 NBA champion is now with the 76ers after previously signing a one-year deal worth $3.4 million. With Hukporti out of the lineup, Philadelphia’s backup centers, including Adem Bona, Jabari Walker, and Dominick Barlow, will have greater responsibilities in supporting Joel Embiid in the paint.
Ben Simmons – Torn Right Achilles Tendon
After being away from the NBA for more than a year, Ben Simmons announced his return to the league after signing a one-year, $3.5 million veteran’s minimum contract with the Sacramento Kings on September 4, 2026.
However, during a team practice, the former No. 1 overall pick tore his right Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
The 6-foot-10 Australian last played an official NBA game on April 26, 2025, when he was still with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Otega Oweh – Torn Right Achilles Tendon
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Otega Oweh suffered an early setback in his NBA career after tearing his right Achilles tendon during a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers on October 13.
The 41st overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft sustained a non-contact injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. The good news is that he underwent successful surgery last Thursday and is now focused on his rehabilitation.
Maxime Raynaud – Right Patellar Subluxation
French sophomore big man Maxime Raynaud was one of the bright spots for the Sacramento Kings last season.
However, during a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors on October 10, Raynaud collided with Stephen Curry, resulting in a right patellar subluxation, which is a partial dislocation of the kneecap.
He was taken off the court in a wheelchair and is expected to miss at least the first five or six games of the regular season, with a potentially longer absence, according to Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports.
Stephen Curry – Right Ankle Sprain
During an open practice at the Golden State Warriors’ home court, the Chase Center, Stephen Curry appeared to sustain a non-contact injury and limped off the court early Monday morning.
Fortunately for Warriors fans, head coach Steve Kerr said that Curry was fine and had only suffered a right ankle sprain.
As of this writing, there has been no news indicating that the four-time NBA champion will miss any regular-season games. He is expected to be available for the Warriors’ season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 22.
