The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. The defending champions have been the best team this season so far. The Thunder have dominated the Western Conference ever since the beginning of the season and are favourites to go through this one.
With the Thunder playing at home, the Lakers would need their full squad to tackle the team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. JJ Redick’s side has been without Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic for most of the time in recent games.
Meanwhile, ahead of the clash tonight, here is all you need to know about the Lakers' injury update, especially on Doncic, as he was expected to make his return in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Will Luka Doncic return for Lakers vs Thunder Game 1 NBA Playoffs?
No, Luka Doncic is not playing tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Thunder and the Lakers.
The Lakers officially ruled out their star guard for Tuesday night's matchup at Paycom Center due to a left hamstring strain he suffered in early April during a regular-season game against these same Thunder.
The injury, described as a Grade 2 strain, sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and the first-round series against the Houston Rockets. As of Monday, the team listed him as out, with his return timeline remaining uncertain beyond Game 1, potentially stretching into a week-to-week situation as he continues recovery without full-contact practice or unrestricted running.
In the Slovenian’s absence, JJ Redick's side will lean heavily on LeBron James, a recently returned Austin Reaves, and supporting pieces to challenge the top-seeded Thunder, who swept their first-round series and dominated the Lakers 4-0 in the regular season.
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