James & Co., Dunks it Up for Finals!

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers controls the ball against Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Intuit Dome on February 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Getty Images The NBA's latest collective bargaining agreement requires players to appear in at least 65 games—and play 20-plus minutes in 63 of those—to be eligible for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and the All-NBA teams, among other awards.

That's already wreaking havoc on the All-NBA teams this season. Six of last year’s All-NBA selections— Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jalen Williams and Tyrese Haliburton—are already ineligible to repeat since they’ve each missed at least 18 games this year. A handful of potential All-NBA candidates are also on the verge of being disqualified.

In particular, two notable stars who were on pace for an All-NBA selection are now in grave danger of falling short of the 65-game requirement. That could have drastic financial ramifications throughout the league. Which All-NBA Candidates Might Not Reach 65 Games?

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is averaging a career-high 28. 3 points per game this season and has dragged his team back into the postseason conversation after a miserable 6-21 start. However, he suffered a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter of Saturday's loss to the Sacramento Kings and did not return to the game.