By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic’s absence continues to loom large over the Los Angeles Lakers, despite a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, against the Houston Rockets.
The 27-year-old Slovenian superstar has been sidelined since early April, when he sustained a left hamstring strain. While the injury forced him to miss the final five games of the 2025-26 Regular Season and the start of the Playoffs, recent updates from head coach JJ Redick offer a glimmer of hope for a postseason return.
The Ljubljana native recently returned to Los Angeles following a trip to Spain, where he underwent specialized medical treatment involving regenerative injections to accelerate his recovery. Although he has been spotted on the practice court performing light, non-contact drills such as free-throw shooting, he has yet to resume full-speed running. Redick confirmed that while Austin Reaves has already begun return-to-play protocols, Doncic is expected to follow suit shortly. Despite the progress, the Lakers remain cautious, and no definitive timeline has been established for his reactivation.
During Game 2 opposite the Rockets, Doncic was formally presented with his second career scoring title and the March Western Conference Player of the Month award.
The series now shifts to Texas, where the Lakers will look to maintain their momentum during Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Sunday at the Toyota Center in Houston.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 0-1 (101-112)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-0 (126-113, 115-105)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-1 (113-102, 106-107)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 1-0 (119-84)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions
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