As the NBL26 season progresses, injuries continue to play a major role in shaping team lineups and performance across the league.
Several key players remain sidelined with long-term setbacks, while others are edging closer to a return as clubs navigate the mid-season grind.
Below is the latest team-by-team update on player injuries, recovery timelines, and expected return dates ahead of Round 7 action.
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ADELAIDE 36ERS
1. Ben Griscti | 211CM | 120KG | CENTRE | 23 YRS
Injury: Neck
Current status: Out for the season.
Notes: During the NBL Blitz, Ben Griscti suffered an unfortunate accident where a basketball ring collapsed on top of him, causing a fractured vertebrae. Although surgery was not required, he is not expected to play in NBL26.
BRISBANE BULLETS
1. Mitch Norton | 184CM | 90KG | GUARD | 32 YRS
Injury: Knee
Current Status: 3-4 weeks away.
Notes: Mitch Norton suffered knee hyperextension injury during Brisbane’s game against New Zealand pn September 19. Head coach Stu Lash gave an eight week timeline for Norton’s return to the team.
2. Sam McDaniel | 198CM | 102KG | GUARD | 29 YRS
Injury: Ankle
Current Status: 4 weeks away.
Notes: Sam McDaniel injured his ankle in his second game of the season. He received surgery on the 3rd October and the club has given him an 8-week timeline.
CAIRNS TAIPANS
1. Sam Waardenburg | 208CM | 100KG | FORWARD | 26 YRS
Injury: Ankle
Current Status: 3-4 weeks away.
Notes: It has now been six weeks since Waardenburg injured his ankle that required surgery. He participated in training today for the first time since the injury. It is going to take some time for him to get back in shape, so a return isn’t likely until post-FIBA break.
2. Kody Stattmann | 196CM | 88K | FORWARD | 25 YRS
Injury: Hamstring
Current Status: 1-2 weeks.
Notes: Kody Stattmann suffered a Grade 1 Hamstring Tear during Cairns’ last game. He will miss round seven and be reassessed post-round.
3. Alex Higgins-Titsha | 202CM | 91K | GUARD | 25 YRS
Injury: Hand
Current Status: Awaiting scans.
Notes: Alex Higgins-Titsha injured his hand a fortnight ago, and played through the injury last round. Adam Forde has now confirmed that the injury is much more serious and they’re awaiting scans. He is set to miss a lengthy amount of time.
4. Jack McVeigh | 203CM | 93K | FORWARD | 29 YRS
Injury: Wrist
Current Status: Game Time Decision
Notes: Jack McVeigh has not played in two weeks since injuring his wrist. Adam Forde said today that if McVeigh survives training, we could see him suit up their for round seven games.
ILLAWARRA HAWKS
1. Will ‘Davo’ Hickey | 194CM | 92KG | 26 YRS
Injury: Eye
Current Status: Game Time Decision
Notes: Yet to play a game this season, Will Hickey has been participating in training for a few weeks now. He is expected to make his NBL26 debut this round.
2. Sam Froling | 213CM | 109KG | FORWARD | 25 YRS
Injury: Achilles
Current Status: Expected to return by February ‘26.
Notes: Sam Froling’s last game was in Game 4 of the NBL Finals, where he unfortunately suffered a torn achilles just eight minutes into the game. The early diagnosis saw that he would miss the entirely on NBL26. However, recent updates suggest he will in-fact suit up during the later stages of the season. We will keep you updated on any new information.
MELBOURNE UNITED
1. Shea Ili | 184CM | 88KG | GUARD | 33 YRS
Injury: Quad
Current Status: 2 weeks away.
Notes: Shea Ili injured his hamstring during United’s exhibition game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He was given a 4-5 weeks timeline.
Melbourne win epic clash with 36ers | 01:01
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Currently no injuries.
PERTH WILDCATS
1. Dylan Windler |201CM |89KG | GUARD | 29 YRS
Injury: Ankle
Current Status: Game Time Decision.
Notes: Dylan Windler injured his ankle during Perth’s game against the Sydney Kings. He did not play in round six and is expected to return for round seven.
2. David Duke Jr |193CM |93KG | GUARD | 26 YRS
Injury: Load management
Current Status: To miss one game.
Notes: David Duke Jr only landed in Australia 48-hours ago. The Perth Wildcats initially announced that Duke Jr was going to debut tonight against the Tasmania JackJumpers but have since provided an update stating their new star import will not suit up due to load management. A debut is expected for their match against South East Melbourne Phoenix
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Currently no injuries.
SYDNEY KINGS
1. Keli Leaupepe | 199CM | 111KG | FORWARD | 25 YRS
Injury: ACL
Current status: Out of the season.
Notes: The Sydney Kings confirmed that Keli Leaupepe had torn his ACL during training on the 2nd September. He will not participate in NBL26.
2. Jason Spurgin | 211CM | 102KG | CENTRE | 21 YRS
Injury: Foot
Current status: Out of the season.
Notes: During a pre-season training session, Jason Spurgin injured his foot – which required surgery. He is out for the season.
TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
1.David Johnson | 193CM | 95KG | GUARD | 23 YRS
Injury: Back
Current status: Two weeks.
Notes: David Johnson has just played the two games this season before injuring his calf. He has been temporary replaced by TJ Starks. Johnson is expected to return in two weeks.
2. Anthony Drmic | 198CM | 91KG | FORWARD | 33 YRS
Injury: Back
Current status: Game Time Decision.
Notes: Anthony Drmic has been carrying a lower back injury which has prevented him from playing. His last game was two weeks ago. There is a chance he returns for round seven.
3. Sean Macdonald | 188CM | 86KG | GUARD | 25 YRS
Injury: ACL
Current status: Out of the season.
Notes: Sean Macdonald will miss NBL26 after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the Boomers exhibition games in August.