(Ep030) Why Do NBA Players Get Hurt During the Playoffs and How Can Anyone Improve their Durability?

Written By Phil White

We’ve already seen multiple All-Stars and key role players go down in the NBA Playoffs. You might be wondering why seemingly indestructible athletes in their prime are getting hurt at this pivotal time in the pro basketball calendar, whether injury rates are higher now than back in the day, and what can be done to minimize the chances of getting hurt.

In which case, you’ll enjoy this episode, as former Lakers S+C coach Tim DiFrancesco gives an insider’s view into:

  • Why consistently loading muscles and connective tissues with resistance training keeps them resilient

  • How NBA players pick their spots for when to push and when to back off during the season

  • What factors NBA performance and medical staff when making load management decisions

  • Why a combination of increased playoff intensity and volume plus decreased load exposure increases injury risk

  • What it means to earn your recovery and why you can’t simply swap hard work for rest


Keep tuning in to the show for more locker room insights into the inner workings of NBA playoff basketball and get exclusive extra context on TD’s Instagram feed.

Phil White
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(Ep031) Breaking Down Marcus Smart’s Neck Stinger and Quad Contusion Against the Bucks
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(Ep029) NBA Injury Report - Playoff Edition: Joel Embiid (thumb), Khris Middleton (MCL), Devin Booker (hamstring) & Fred VanVleet (hip flexor).