Adam Silver reportedly likes the idea of 40-minute games

November 3, 2026

The NBA’s injury era is becoming a problem the league can’t seem to solve. Fans want to watch stars. Teams want to have them available. Instead, we’re spending an awful lot of time discussing who isn’t playing.

Could shorter games help? Commissioner Adam Silver reportedly likes the idea, though actually getting there would be another matter.

That’s according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, who discussed the possibility of trimming games from 48 minutes to 40 during an SI TV appearance with Rachel Nichols.

“I actually think Adam Silver, from what I’ve heard, like he likes the idea of 40-minute games,” Mannix said.

That isn’t a proposal or an indication that a change is coming. But it does suggest the commissioner has some interest in a fairly dramatic departure from how the NBA has always operated. Mannix, though, sees a couple of problems. Start with the money.

“I just don’t see financially how it’s feasible,” he said.

Then there’s the question of whose minutes would actually disappear. Taking eight minutes off the game doesn’t necessarily mean taking eight minutes off the workload of the players carrying their teams.

“It’s not going to affect the minutes of stars,” Mannix said. “You’re just gonna see bench guys get more and more marginalized.”

That’s a reasonable concern. A coach trying to win could still lean heavily on his best players, particularly in a close game. The guys at the back of the rotation could wind up doing more watching, while the stars keep doing most of the work.

Meanwhile, the injury reports keep offering reasons to have the discussion. The Thunder are missing Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren. Anthony Edwards is sidelined following knee surgery. Those are significant absences, and we’re barely into November.

The Thunder have managed to keep winning, as the Cavaliers learned Monday. But staying competitive and giving fans the full product are two different things.

“I think you’d rather be proactive than reactive,” Mannix said.

Finding a solution that satisfies players, owners, broadcasters and fans won’t be easy. Still, Mannix’s larger point is hard to argue with.

“It’s the most star-driven league of the four major sports,” he said. “And not seeing stars is a big problem for the NBA.”

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