Luka Dončić ruled out day ahead of Lakers-Thunder Game 1

The (*1*) on Monday, a day earlier than they play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their second-round playoff sequence.

Dončić stays sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring pressure. He missed the ultimate six video games of the common season with the damage and the whole lot of the Lakers’ first-round playoff win over Houston Rockets.

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His availability towards the Thunder stays unclear past Game 1. But being ruled out a day ahead of time is usually not a very good signal of a fast return.

Luka reportedly on ‘gradual’ path to restoration

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday that Dončić stays on “a slow path” to restoration and hasn’t returned to full-contact exercises. He’s nonetheless thought-about week-to-week, per the report.

When requested Sunday about Dončić’s availability for Game 1, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said this: “I haven’t got any updates on Luka.”

OKC is a a lot stiffer take a look at for Luka-less Lakers

For Game 1 and maybe past, the Lakers will play with out their All-NBA guard, who led the league in scoring with 33.5 factors per sport alongside averages of 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals.

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The Lakers gained in Round 1 regardless of Dončić’s absence and Austin Reaves lacking the primary three video games of the sequence. The Rockets have been additionally taking part in shorthanded with Kevin Durant sidelined for 5 of the sequence’ six video games.

With Dončić sidelined, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart began all six video games of the sequence. LeBron James carried the offensive load and continued to guide the Lakers in scoring even upon Reaves’ return.

Against a reigning champion Thunder crew that led the league in defensive score for a second straight season and swept the Lakers within the common season, taking part in with out Dončić will put them at a heightened drawback.