As defensive pick-up points have gradually become more aggressive in recent NBA seasons, players have been picking up more injuries.

To start the 2024-25 campaign, 18 former all-stars are injured, pace of play is the highest it’s been since 1988-89 and teams are defending the full length of the court in an unprecedented manner.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr attributed the uptick in injuries to this increased exertion.

“We have all the data,” Kerr told reporters before Tuesday’s game against the Orlando Magic. “Players are running faster and farther than ever before, so we’re trying to do the best we can to protect them, but basically have a game every other night and it’s not an easy thing to do.

“(The medical staff) believe that the wear and tear, the speed, the pace, the mileage, it’s all factoring into these injuries.”

Warriors superstar Stephen Curry was off to a spectacular start in his age-37 season — averaging 27.9 points on good efficiency — before he went down with an ankle injury in Golden State’s 121-113 loss to Orlando. He is questionable to play Wednesday against the Miami Heat.

LeBron James just returned after missing nearly the first month of the season while dealing with sciatica, but the star power that has gone down in the meantime is staggering.

Burgeoning MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama and former MVP Giannis Antetoukounmpo headline the list of recently sidelined stars that also contains Trae Young (knee), Darius Garland (toe), Anthony Davis (calf), Kawhi Leonard (ankle), Ja Morant (calf), Bam Adebayo (toe), Tyler Herro (ankle), Zion Williamson (hamstring), Jalen Brunson (ankle), Jalen Williams (wrist), Paolo Banchero (groin), Joel Embiid (knee), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and Paul George (knee). As noted, all but Banchero and Williams are out with lower-body injuries.

And that doesn’t include Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton, who all suffered Achilles tears in last season’s playoffs and are either confirmed or likely to miss the entire season. Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet are also both out with knee injuries sustain before the season.

“I’m very concerned,” said Kerr. “It’s dramatic. The pace difference is dramatic.”