Antetokounmpo And Castle Sidelined With Injuries In NBA's 2025-26 Season

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The NBA is facing a wave of injuries about a month into the 2025-26 season. Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and Stephon Castle from the San Antonio Spurs are among the latest players sidelined. Antetokounmpo exited Monday's 118-106 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter due to a left groin strain.

On Tuesday, Bucks coach Doc Rivers shared that Antetokounmpo will likely be out for a couple of weeks. "I don't know what grade (the strain) is, but I know it's not a bad one, so that's good news for us," Rivers stated on the team's official podcast. "But yet, he's still probably two weeks, he'll be out. And we'll see. Hopefully less, but most likely in that area."

Antetokounmpo is currently fourth in NBA scoring with an average of 31.2 points per game. He also contributes 10.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists for the Bucks, who hold an 8-7 record. Meanwhile, Castle will undergo re-evaluation in one to two weeks after sustaining a hip flexor strain during Sunday's 123-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

The Spurs are dealing with multiple injuries as well. Star center Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss at least two to three weeks due to a calf strain. Additionally, rookie and No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper remains sidelined with his own calf strain.

Despite these setbacks, some players are making comebacks from previous injuries. Paul George returned to action for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday after recovering from a knee injury. In their 110-108 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, George played 21 minutes and recorded nine points and seven rebounds.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has not yet played this season because of sciatica symptoms but seems ready to start his record-setting 23rd NBA season soon. James has been practising with his team, and ESPN's Shams Charania reported that he plans to go through his usual warm-up routine before Tuesday's game against the Utah Jazz, aiming for his debut.

Castle has shown improvement across nearly all statistical categories at the start of his second season, averaging 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for the Spurs, who have a record of 9-4.

The new NBA season is proving challenging as teams navigate injuries while welcoming back key players who were previously sidelined.