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Steady12 stories4 sourcesLast updated: 5/25/2026

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Broken bodies everywhere: are injuries about to be declared winners of the NBA playoffs?
Sports
5/4/2026

Broken bodies everywhere: are injuries about to be declared winners of the NBA playoffs?

A host of stars have gone down with injuries this postseason. For as long as the league resists change, its players will pay the priceShould we just cancel the rest of the NBA playoffs and declare injuries the winner? They’ve already dominated this postseason far more than a team possibly could. The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing without their second-best player, Jalen Williams, after what feels like his 10th hamstring injury. In the series against the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo tore his achilles, and Anthony Edwards gruesomely hyperextended his knee. Wolves’ backup Ayo Dosunmu put up a heroic 43 points in Game 4, then returned to the bench two games later to nurse an injured calf. The Nuggets lost Aaron Gordon to a calf strain midway through the series and played entirely without Peyton Watson, who was sidelined by a hamstring strain.Jayson Tatum’s record-quick comeback from an achilles tear was the feelgood story of the season, at least until he hurt his leg, which ruled him out of a vital Game 7 that his Boston Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Los Angeles Lakers’ starting rotation lacks Luka Dončić until further notice and played four of six games against the Houston Rockets without another of their stars, Austin Reaves. The Rockets’ Kevin Durant played 78 of 82 regular season games, then missed every game of the Lakers series but one thanks to a bad knee and a bone bruise in his ankle. We of course had to save the most ridiculous injury for last: Victor Wembanyama was knocked out by the court itself after tripping on a drive and whacking his jaw on the hardwood. (He missed all of one game and wishes he could have missed zero.) Perhaps it was an omen. Continue reading...

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Guardian Sport
Kevin Durant to Miss Game 6 Against Lakers Due to Ankle Injury
Urgent
Sports·4/30/2026AI summary

Kevin Durant to Miss Game 6 Against Lakers Due to Ankle Injury

Kevin Durant will miss Game 6 of the Rockets' playoff series against the Lakers due to a bone bruise in his left ankle, marking his fourth consecutive absence. The 37-year-old sustained the injury near the end of Game 2 on April 21. The Rockets, who trail 3-2 in the series, won the past two games after facing a 3-0 deficit. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday in Houston, with a potential Game 7 on Sunday in Los Angeles.

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ESPN
Kevin Durant Ruled Out for Game 5 vs Lakers Due to Ankle Sprain
Urgent
Sports·4/29/2026AI summary

Kevin Durant Ruled Out for Game 5 vs Lakers Due to Ankle Sprain

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Wednesday night's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a left ankle sprain. Durant did not practice Tuesday and was seen running on an antigravity treadmill before the team departed for Los Angeles. The Rockets trail 3-1 in the Western Conference first-round series. Durant returned for Game 2 after missing the opener with a bruised right knee, scoring 23 points before injuring his ankle late in the loss.

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ESPN
Kevin Durant Unlikely for Game 5 Despite Progress on Ankle Injury
Urgent
Sports·4/28/2026AI summary

Kevin Durant Unlikely for Game 5 Despite Progress on Ankle Injury

Kevin Durant is making progress with his sprained left ankle and bone bruise but is unlikely to play in Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets star did not practice Tuesday and was limited to running on an anti-gravity treadmill as the team traveled to California trailing 3-1 in the series. Coach Ime Udoka called it day to day, while Durant has already missed three games in the series after returning to score 23 points in Game 2 before injuring his ankle late in that game.

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ESPN
Luka Doncic Hamstring Recovery Advances as Lakers Lead Rockets 3-1
Developing
Sports·4/29/2026AI summary

Luka Doncic Hamstring Recovery Advances as Lakers Lead Rockets 3-1

Luka Doncic is progressing in his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, having resumed controlled on-court movement for the first time since sustaining the injury on April 2. Sports doctor Jesse Morse projects a return window of 10-14 days, potentially between May 6-10, which would place him available for the second round if the Lakers advance. The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets and can close out the first round in Game 5 on April 29 in Los Angeles.

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Times of India
Luka Doncic Resumes On-Court Work as Doctor Projects 10-14 Day Return Timeline
Developing
Sports·4/28/2026AI summary

Luka Doncic Resumes On-Court Work as Doctor Projects 10-14 Day Return Timeline

Luka Doncic has resumed controlled on-court movement after weeks of limited activity, marking the first sign of progress from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained April 2. Sports doctor Jesse Morse projects a 10-14 day return window, potentially May 6-10, provided there are no setbacks. The Lakers star will not return in the first-round series against Houston, with the team holding a 3-1 lead and Game 5 scheduled for April 29.

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Times of India
LeBron James scores 29, Lakers beat Rockets 112-108 in OT to take 3-0 series lead
Developing
Sports·4/25/2026AI summary

LeBron James scores 29, Lakers beat Rockets 112-108 in OT to take 3-0 series lead

LeBron James scored 29 points with a tying three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, Marcus Smart added 21 points and 10 assists including 8 points in overtime, and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 on Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series. The Lakers can complete the sweep Sunday in Houston. Kevin Durant sat out a second straight game with a sprained ankle.

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Guardian Sport
Marcus Smart's 25-Point Masterpiece Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 2
Developing
Sports·4/22/2026AI summary

Marcus Smart's 25-Point Masterpiece Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 2

Marcus Smart scored 25 points with five steals and hit a crucial 3-pointer with 2:23 remaining, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Kevin Durant returned from a knee injury to score 23 points but committed three of his nine turnovers while defended by Smart. LeBron James added 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Lakers took a 2-0 series lead despite being without injured starters Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.

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ESPN
Kevin Durant Cleared to Return for Game 2 vs Lakers After Knee Injury
Developing
Sports·4/22/2026AI summary

Kevin Durant Cleared to Return for Game 2 vs Lakers After Knee Injury

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been cleared to return for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing Game 1 with a knee tendon bruise suffered in practice on Wednesday. Coach Ime Udoka said Durant won't be on a minutes restriction if he plays, though mobility remains his biggest lingering issue. The 37-year-old averaged 26 points per game during the regular season, and the Rockets clearly missed his shotmaking in their 107-98 Game 1 loss to L.A.

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ESPN