What is the NBA's controversial '65-game rule' and how is it impacting players?

The ’65-game rule’ is part of the NBA’s Player Participation Policy, introduced in the 2023-2024 season, that requires players to participate in a minimum number of games in order to be eligible for awards and other honours.

It aims to discourage franchises from ‘load managing’ athletes, which is where teams rest star players to avoid injury and to keep them in contention for the playoffs.

At the time it was introduced, the NBA stated that the policy means teams must “refrain from any long-term ‘shutdowns’ in which a star player stops playing games” and also “ensure that star players are available for all national television and NBA In-Season Tournament games”.

If teams break the policy they could face fines, unless they can provide proof players are being rested for injury or personal reasons – but the rule will still affect player eligibility for awards and team selections.

A regular season in the NBA consists of 82 games, and to be eligible for awards such as Most Valuable Player (MVP) or the All-NBA teams, players must compete in at least 65 of them.

How does this affect Nikola Jovic?

Nikola Jovic is a three-time season MVP winner [Getty Images]

Nikola Jokic, a three-time season MVP winner, has been a standout performer for the Denver Nuggets this season, currently leading the NBA in rebounds and assists and averaging 30 points per game.

On 25 December 2025, during a fixture against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he became the first player in NBA history to hit at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists, in a triple-double beating a record set by Steph Curry.

He also had scored 21 points and provided eight assists before suffering a knee injury in the Nuggets’ 147-123 defeat to Miami Heat – an injury which now puts his chances of a fourth season MVP in doubt.

Initial results from a medical scan show that Jovic is expected to miss at least four weeks of play, working out at around 16 games – which would leave his eligibility to be considered for the MVP award and All-NBA teams marginal, as players can only miss 17 games to be included.

However, there is a chance that when his knee is re-examined, the extent of the injury is worse than initially diagnosed. If this is the case, Jovic may not meet the threshold of games played for selection and will miss out on the honours.

What has the reaction to the rule been?

Basketball journalist Grant Afseth told BBC Sport “a firm limit feels too rigid,” when it comes to missed games.

“That’s why you have [award] voters in the first place — to apply context and judgment.

“Availability should absolutely matter, but it shouldn’t erase everything else.

“If someone is clearly the most impactful player over the games they did play and just falls short of a set number, voters should be trusted to decide whether that impact was enough to win an award.”

Many basketball fans have used social media to expres their frustration at the rule and the impact it is having on players.

Several sports media outlets have also called for the rule to be scrapped, and former professional Kenyon Martin has also said it should be abolished as it is impacting player’s “legacies”.

But some NBA professionals have previously expressed support for the rule, with Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone saying in 2023 that it’s a “way to get the best players playing.”

“We want people to tune into their TVs and watch,” Malone said.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.