{"id":588374,"date":"2026-04-16T20:14:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T20:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/588374\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T20:14:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T20:14:19","slug":"65-game-rule-averted-luka-doncic-cade-cunningham-eligible-for-nba-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/588374\/","title":{"rendered":"65-game rule averted? Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham eligible for NBA awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBA’s 65-game rule, forcing players to play in at least 65 regular season games in order to be eligible for end-of-season awards, has received mixed reviews from fans and players.<\/p>\n

Several fans believe it incentivizes stars to play in games, creating a better product for people in attendance. Others believe such a rule being implemented while individual players may have clauses in their contracts that offer bonuses for earning end-of-season awards creates a system that hurts players for situations that often are out of their control, such as injuries or family emergencies.<\/p>\n

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Well, it appears the NBA has heard these complaints and is making an adjustment.<\/p>\n

Although neither the Detroit Pistons<\/a>‘ Cade Cunningham<\/a> nor the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>‘ Luka Doncic<\/a> played in 65 regular season games, both have been reinstated for end-of-season awards.<\/p>\n

The NBA announced that Cunningham (63 games played) would be exempt “due in part to missing 12 games as a result of a collapsed lung that was diagnosed on March 17.” Meanwhile Doncic (64 games played) earned exemption “due in part to missing two games to attend the birth of his daughter in Slovenia.”<\/p>\n

Here’s what to know.<\/p>\n

\"Detroit<\/p>\n

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Ethan Thompson defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.<\/p>\n

Will these exemption keep up moving forward?<\/p>\n

The decisions to re-implement both Doncic and Cunningham came as part of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) under the “extraordinary circumstances provision.”<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

However, the league did not reveal what exactly constitutes an extraordinary circumstance, only that both Cunningham and Doncic applied.<\/p>\n

That said, Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> guard Anthony Edwards<\/a> didn’t receive an exemption. Edwards played in 60 games \u2014 or 61 when counting the game where he played only three minutes, which the league did not count \u2014 and filed “an extraordinary circumstances challenge under the CBA, seeking award eligibility before an independent arbitrator.”<\/p>\n

1 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

As the NBA Play\u2011In Tournament<\/a> unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.<\/p>\n

See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high\u2011stakes games.<\/p>\n

Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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1 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

As the NBA Play\u2011In Tournament<\/a> unfolds, every possession carries extra weight with postseason spots on the line.<\/p>\n

See the action and emotion from across the tournament as teams battle through high\u2011stakes games.<\/p>\n

Above, LaMelo Ball #1 celebrates with Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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2 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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3 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets blocks a shot from Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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4 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers slam dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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5 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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6 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a three-point shot over Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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7 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after defeating the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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8 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Jerami Grant #9 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.<\/p>\n

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9 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket late in the second half against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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10 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball ahead of Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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11 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball while guarded by Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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12 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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13 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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14 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in overtime against the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

15 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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16 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers attempts a shot under pressure from Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

17 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Coby White #3 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball over Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat late in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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18 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Interim head coach Tiago Splitter of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n

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19 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball in the first half while guarded by Simone Fontecchio #0 of the Miami Heat during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

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20 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Deni Avdija #8 of the Portland Trail Blazers lays up a shot ahead of Oso Ighodaro #11 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 14, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Suns 114-110.<\/p>\n

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21 \/ 21<\/p>\n

NBA Play-In Tournament photos showcase final push to the postseason<\/p>\n

Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket while guarded by Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

Why was Anthony Edwards denied?<\/p>\n

Edwards missed 11 of the Timberwolves’ final 14 games this season while dealing with a right knee injury. Furthermore, several of those games missed were in an effort to ensure Edwards would be good to go for the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

Edwards also missed time due to hamstring issues and illnesses earlier in the season.<\/p>\n

Despite this, Edwards still played 2,137 minutes on the season, more than other players who are qualified for end-of-season awards like Kawhi Leonard<\/a>, Victor Wembanyama<\/a> and LaMelo Ball<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Will Doncic, Cunningham win any awards?<\/p>\n

While neither player is likely to win MVP, both players will likely be named to All-NBA teams, which qualify under the 65-game rule. Edwards will not be eligible.<\/p>\n

Edwards’ ineligibility actually hurts his future. An All-NBA selection for Edwards would have ensured the 24-year-old supermax contract eligibility when he is eligible for a new contract in the 2027 offseason. While Edwards can still earn his third all-NBA bid next season, it puts added pressure on him to succeed. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that another injury forces him out of significant time next season, which could yet again cost him another All-NBA selection.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham eligible for NBA awards after appeal<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The NBA’s 65-game rule, forcing players to play in at least 65 regular season games in order to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":588375,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[31513,88728,4576,257186,11653,25179,1055,3014,11951,355,29982,99,7335,32090],"class_list":["post-588374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nba","tag-anthony-edwards","tag-cade-cunningham","tag-detroit-pistons","tag-extraordinary-circumstances","tag-kawhi-leonard","tag-lamelo-ball","tag-los-angeles-lakers","tag-luka-doncic","tag-minnesota-timberwolves","tag-nba","tag-regular-season-games","tag-sports","tag-the-nba","tag-victor-wembanyama"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=588374"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/588374\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/588375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=588374"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=588374"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=588374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}