The NBA is grappling with a significant injury crisis as multiple star players are sidelined for weeks, including Tyrese Maxey, Zion Williamson, and Ja Morant. This season, star player absences are up 24% compared to last year, with over 1,000 games projected to be missed. The participation rate of star players has dipped below 80%, causing concern among fans and impacting viewership.

As the league's marquee matchups suffer from these absences, attendance and TV ratings are declining. The Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers game exemplified this issue, with low attendance and viewership numbers. The NBA's Player Participation Policy, aimed at reducing injuries, has not yielded the desired results, raising questions about the future of player health and fan engagement.