As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, several key players are preparing to return to the floor following extended periods of injury.

After missing all of last season with a Achilles injury, Tyrese Haliburton is set to rejoin the Indiana Pacers as they look to bounce back from a tough campaign. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Kyrie Irving makes his return to the Dallas Mavericks, aiming to team up with star Cooper Flagg and propel the franchise back into playoff contention.

Other marquee players face a more uncertain timeline for their season debuts. Notably, Golden State Warriors Jimmy Butler III enters his 16th year in the NBA -- and the final season of his current contract -- focused on making a key impact once healthy.

With an 82-game schedule ahead, our NBA insiders assess the health of these featured stars, examining who is positioned for an opening-week comeback and who will require close monitoring as the season unfolds.