NBA Standings Shockers and Rising Player Injury Risks

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From LatiNation Sports

Surprising Standings and the Growing Toll of Injuries

Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference as the only undefeated team at 3-0, while the Philadelphia 76ers have also looked strong at 3-1. Philadelphia started slowly against Detroit, but LeBron has been playing at a high level and holding together a talented team.

Meanwhile, the champions are sitting in 13th place. The Knicks enjoyed success last year, but their smaller, older roster had to play at its best every game. Sustaining that level of energy could be difficult, and none of the analysts mentioned have picked them to win again.

In the Western Conference, the Rockets and Lakers are beating the odds. Oklahoma, Memphis and Minnesota are also near the top, while the Lakers and Thunder currently hold second and third place. James Harden’s beardless appearance has also taken some getting used to, making him harder to spot on the court.

The Thunder’s Jalen Williams suffered a horrible ankle injury. The clip was not shown because of its graphic nature, but the injury visibly affected the entire team. Williams is a talented player who also struggled with injuries throughout last season, including hamstring problems and extended absences.

Athletes appear to be getting injured more often as the level of competition rises and children begin intensive training at increasingly young ages. Some start practicing for multiple hours each week at three, four or five years old. By the time they reach their 20s or 30s, the accumulated wear and tear can be significant.

Modern athletes have been exercising and training longer than athletes at any previous point in history. Although data and science support injury prevention, the relentless sports business can pressure players to return too quickly. Rushing back can sometimes make an injury worse.

Williams’ injury, however, appeared to be a freak accident. Near the end of the game, he went up while absorbing a reckless foul and landed awkwardly.

Injuries come with the territory. One example came from tearing an Achilles while playing basketball at 29. After landing, it felt as though someone had struck the back of the ankle, but a player about 10 feet away said he had heard the tendon tear. Despite walking to the car with the injured foot flopping, the return to the basketball court came one year later.