By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Los Angeles Lakers stand on the precipice of the Western Conference Semifinals, holding a commanding 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven series of the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. However, as a potential second-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder nears, the focus has shifted entirely to the health of the roster, specifically the status of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The Slovenian superstar, who has been sidelined since early April with a hamstring strain, remains the biggest question mark. With head coach JJ Redick recently noting 27-year-old Doncic has progressed to light on-court movement, he is widely expected to sit out the remainder of the series opposite the Rockets, regardless of whether it reaches a seventh game. Given the typical recovery window for such injuries, a realistic return for the Ljubljana native is estimated for midway through the second round of Playoffs.
According to ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania, 27-year-old Reaves is trending toward a return as early as Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Rockets at crypto.com Arena. Recovering from a Grade 2 oblique strain, the American guard is nearing the end of his four-week rehab window. While he may finally suit up, he will perhaps come off the bench under a strict minutes restriction as he regains his rhythm.
In addition to the injury concerns, the backcourt is facing financial penalties following a heated finish to Game 4. The NBA announced that Marcus Smart has been fined 35,000 dollars for public comments questioning the integrity of the officiating, while Luke Kennard received a $25,000 fine for directing inappropriate language toward the refs.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-2 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 2-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-1 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96)
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 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 3-1 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-3 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 3-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winner 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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