Soft-tissue leg injuries have become one of the biggest concerns across the NBA, especially during the 2026 playoffs.
Calf, hamstring, and Achilles injuries continue to rise at an alarming rate throughout the league.
The NBA recorded only 18 calf injuries during the 2010-11 season. That number jumped to 60 last year and has already climbed to 86 this season.
Several major players have dealt with those injuries during the playoffs, including Jalen Williams, OG Anunoby, Franz Wagner, Aaron Gordon, and Jayson Tatum.
Donte DiVincenzo also suffered a ruptured Achilles, while Luka Doncic missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff run because of a hamstring tear.
League-wide, calf injuries now account for nearly one-quarter of all lower-leg injuries, a major increase from previous years.
NBA Soft-Tissue Injuries Have Surged As Players Try To Keep Up With Demands Of Modern Game https://t.co/QGr1ORWCPE
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 14, 2026
