NBA Awards Eligibility Tracker: Which star players are at risk of missing the 65-game rule?

The NBA awards race is heating up. But beyond nightly on-court performances from the league’s brightest stars, fans (and voters) will have to keep an eye on whether the stars are actually, er, in the field.

Because of the NBA’s 65-game rule, which requires players to appear in 65 games over the course of the 82-game season to qualify for year-end awards, a number of injured stars — including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry — are already ineligible for regular-season honors. Additionally, several other major award candidates are at risk of losing their eligibility with six weeks – and about 20 games – left in the season. Let’s take a look.

Players at risk of not qualifying for NBA awards

Under the league’s 65-game rule, players who make mistakes 18 games will no longer be entitled to end-of-season rewards.

Announcement

Nikola Jokić, Nuggets: Missed 16 games

• He missed a month with a left knee injury

Lauri Markannen, Jazz: lost 16 games

• Currently out with a hip injury

Devin Booker, Suns: Missed 15 games

• Currently out with a right hip strain; he also missed time with a sprained ankle

Evan Mobley, Cavaliers: Missed 15 games

• Time lost due to two calf strains

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers: 14 games lost

• Managing ankle pain; he also missed time with foot/ankle injuries

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs: 14 games lost

• He missed time early in the season with calf and knee injuries

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Luka Doncic, Lakers: 12 games lost

• He missed four games with a left hamstring injury before the All-Star break

Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers: 12 games lost

• Currently out with a back injury

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder: Missed 11 games

• He recently missed nine games with an abdominal strain

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves: 10 games lost

• Missed time with hamstring and foot injuries earlier this season

Cooper Flagg, Mavericks: 9 games lost

• Currently out with a sprained left foot

Players ineligible for NBA awards

These star players will not reach the league’s 65-game threshold for end-of-year awards this season.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks

• Anthony Davis, Mavericks/Wizards

• Trae Young, Hawks/Wizards