May 8, 2026, 10:00 p.m. CT
Help isn’t arriving. The Oklahoma City Thunder will get a chance to build up a daunting series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers to end any intrigue. Luka Doncic has officially been ruled out for Game 3 of their Round 2 matchup with a hamstring strain.
Doncic sustained the hamstring strain in OKC on Apr. 2. Since then, he’s been out for over a month and has missed all nine of Los Angeles’ NBA playoff games. The Thunder pulled away late in their 125-107 Game 2 win over the Lakers. They have a 2-0 series lead.
It shouldn’t be a shocker to see Doncic remain out. Recently talking to LA reporters, the MVP candidate gently told fans that he likely won’t pull a Superman and be back to help the Lakers pull off an all-time upset over the Thunder. Now, he’s out for an important Game 3.
The Thunder should take care of business against the Lakers in Game 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is due for a bounce-back game after a pedestrian first two games. If OKC can build a 3-0 series lead from the jump, that puts Los Angeles in a tough spot where it likely has to prioritize Doncic’s long-term health over trying to pull off the all-time upset in this Round 2 series.
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