NBA Playoffs Impacted by Multiple Key Injuries in 2025

The 2025 NBA playoffs have been significantly impacted by injuries to star players, altering teams' chances of success and influencing betting markets. Key players such as Damian Lillard, who tore his Achilles early in the playoffs, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, and others missed crucial games, leading to their teams' struggles or eliminations, as seen with the Bucks, Warriors, and Celtics. These injuries underscore the importance of depth and resilience in playoff basketball, as teams without their stars often falter despite high expectations. Historically, injuries have played pivotal roles in playoff outcomes, with notable examples including Tatum's Achilles injury in the Celtics' second-round exit and Curry's hamstring strain during the Warriors' loss to the Timberwolves. Additionally, the rarity and significance of overcoming 3-1 deficits in playoff series highlight the mental toughness required, with only a handful of teams, like the 2016 Cavaliers, achieving such comebacks. Meanwhile, the NBA also remembers its history of poor team performances, with records for worst single-season losses and players with low win percentages, illustrating the diverse narratives within the league's competitive landscape.