NBA: 7 big talking points heading into the 2019-20 season

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NBA New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Injuries

Injuries affect every NBA season to some extent. Last season injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson derailed the Warriors quest for a three-peat. This season injuries are already sure to impact the outcome of the season.

Kevin Durant has been ruled out of the entire season by the Nets, Klay Thompson has been ruled out by the Warriors until at least after the all-star break. No definitive timetable has been set for Victor Oladipo’s return to the Indiana Pacers from a quadriceps injury suffered last season. Paul George has already been ruled out of at least the first 10 regular-season games by the Clippers due to offseason shoulder surgery.

Anthony Davis has missed an average of 15 games a season over his first seven seasons in the league, including 26 games last year. He has already suffered a sprained thumb during the preseason but is probable to play Tuesday night against the Clippers to open the season. LeBron James missed 27 games last season due to injury and is entering his 17th season in the league at just shy of 35 years of age.

Joel Embiid has been plagued by injuries throughout his five-year career, missing two entire seasons before ever playing a game for the Sixers. His health was of critical concern last year in the playoffs where he appeared to be at well less than full strength.

How will these injuries and additional injuries to these and other players sustained through the course of the season affect not only the race for the playoffs and seeding but ultimately who is crowned champion?