The 2025-26 NBA season has passed the halfway point. We now have a good idea of who the top contenders for end-of-season awards will be, but several notable players will not be included.
To be considered, players must play at least 65 games in the regular season. We’re far enough along now that we know for sure that some players won’t hit that mark.
LeBron James Among Stars Who Will Not Reach 65-Game Mark
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers welcomed the San Antonio Spurs to town. Ahead of the game, it was announced that LeBron James would not play, which ensured he would not reach the 65-game mark.
This means that James will not make an All-NBA team for the first time in 21 years. The legend has played in just 35 games this season, and the Lakers only have 29 games remaining.
James only played in 55 games in the 2022-23 season, but that was before the NBA instituted the 65-game requirement. So, who else will fail to hit the threshold?
Per Yahoo Sports, the following stars are some of the biggest names who will not play in 65 games:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Ja Morant
- Joel Embiid
- Trae Young
- Domantas Sabonis
- Austin Reaves
- Anthony Davis
- Jalen Williams
- Franz Wagner
- Josh Giddey
- Tyler Herro
LeBron James is the latest star to be ruled ineligible for NBA awards under the league’s 65-game minimum requirement 😳
Other notable players ruled out before the All-Star Break:
▪️Giannis Antetokounmpo
▪️Ja Morant
▪️Joel Embiid
▪️Trae Young
▪️Domantas Sabonis
▪️Austin Reaves… pic.twitter.com/8KprmQkHVr— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 11, 2026
Several, if not all, of these players would have been considered for All-NBA teams if healthy. Instead, they’ll have to wait for next season if they plan on winning any hardware.
Notably, Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic was not mentioned on that list. Jokic can only miss one more game, though, before he is ruled ineligible as well. Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is among the favorites to be the MVP, is also a player to watch as he’s currently out with an injury.
This much star power missing time hurts, but it also gives more unheralded players a chance to shine.
NBA Races Heating Up Following Trade Deadline
Much attention has been paid to the number of teams seemingly tanking to get the best pick possible in a loaded 2026 draft. However, there are also plenty of teams vying for better seeds and trying to win.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons are holding on to a 5.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics. The Celtics added big man Nikola Vucevic at the deadline, though, and won’t be going away. The Cleveland Cavaliers then swung a deal for James Harden and should factor into the mix as well.
In the West, the Thunder are at the top, 3.5 games over the San Antonio Spurs. The Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, and Timberwolves are all within striking distance as well, ensuring an exciting next few months of NBA action.
