Every NBA season, some teams look ready to win it all. They have the stars, the strong rosters, and the dreams of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy. But sometimes, bad luck with injuries shatters those dreams.
Many teams have faced this nightmare, but in recent years, a few teams have suffered more than others. Even if they had the talent, their chances were crushed when their key players got hurt at the worst times.
Here’s a look at three NBA teams who had the worst injury luck recently and how it changed everything for them.
1. LA Clippers: A Story of “What Could Have Been”
The LA Clippers have been talked about as title favorites more than once. They brought in strong two-way players and trusted Ty Lue, one of the smartest coaches in the league.
But things never went as planned.
- Kawhi Leonard, one of the best players in the world, has faced repeated injuries since joining the Clippers in 2019.
- His worst injury blow came during their 2021 playoff run when the Clippers made it to the Western Conference Finals but lost their best player when it mattered most.
- Paul George, another superstar, also missed many key games because of injuries during his time with the team.
The Clippers had all the tools. But without their stars staying healthy, reaching the Finals stayed just a dream.
2. Philadelphia 76ers: The Process Struck Again
The Philadelphia 76ers know about injury troubles all too well. It was painful during “The Process” years, and sadly, the injuries returned in the 2024-25 season.
- Joel Embiid, the team’s MVP center, missed long stretches of the season.
- New addition Paul George also struggled with injuries, just like in his Clippers days.
- Tyrese Maxey, their young All-Star guard, was also sidelined with problems.
At one point, the Sixers were among the top teams in the East. But as injuries piled up, they dropped out of playoff talks and landed in the lottery.
Once again, hope turned into heartbreak for Sixers fans.
3. Milwaukee Bucks: Dreams Broken Twice
The Milwaukee Bucks were looking strong just before the 2025 playoffs. But then, disaster struck.
- Damian Lillard was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his calf.
- He missed games right when the Bucks needed him to fight for homecourt advantage.
Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying the team, the bad luck continued.
- Lillard returned for a short time during the first playoff series but suffered another serious injury a feared torn Achilles in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers.
Without Lillard, the Bucks’ playoff hopes took a huge hit. It felt like the basketball gods just weren’t on their side this season.
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