The NBA awards races are heating up. But in addition to the nightly on-court performances of the league’s brightest stars, fans (and voters) will have to keep an eye on whether or not the stars are actually, um, on the court.
Due to the NBA’s 65-game rule in which players must appear in 65 games over the course of the 82-game season in order to qualify for year-end awards, a number of injured stars — including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry — are already ineligible for regular-season honors. In addition, several other notable awards candidates are at risk of losing their eligibility with six weeks — and roughly 20 games — left in the season. Let’s take a look.
Players at risk of not qualifying for NBA awards
Under the league’s 65-game rule, players who miss 18 games will no longer be eligible for season-ending awards.
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Nikola Jokić, Nuggets: 16 games missed
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Missed a month with a left knee injury
Lauri Markannen, Jazz: 16 games missed
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Currently out with a hip injury
Devin Booker, Suns: 15 missed games
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Currently out with a right hip strain; also missed time with an ankle sprain
Evan Mobley, Cavaliers: 15 games missed
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Missed time due to two calf strain injuries
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: 14 missed games
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Managing ankle soreness; also missed time with foot/ankle injuries
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: 14 missed games
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Missed time earlier in the season with calf and knee injuries
Luka Dončić, Lakers: 12 missed games
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Missed four games with a left hamstring injury before All-Star break
Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers: 12 missed games
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Currently out with a back injury
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: 11 missed games
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Recently missed nine games with an abdominal strain
Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: 10 missed games
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Missed time with hamstring and foot injuries earlier this season
Cooper Flagg, Mavericks: 9 missed games
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Currently out with a left foot sprain
Players ineligible for NBA awards
These star players will not reach the league’s 65-game threshold for year-end awards this season.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
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Anthony Davis, Mavericks/Wizards
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Trae Young, Hawks/Wizards
