The Los Angeles Lakers are at home on Saturday night as they host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Los Angeles enters Saturday’s game trailing 0-2 in the series after losing on the road in Oklahoma City in Game 2 on Thursday night.
Advertisement
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In Thursday’s loss to the Thunder, Austin Reaves led the way for the Lakers as he recorded 31 points and six assists while LeBron James added 23 points and six assists of his own.
Now Los Angeles will try to bounce back at home on Saturday in Game 3 as they look to grab a victory over the Thunder to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole in the series.
On the other side, Oklahoma City enters Saturday’s contest with a 2-0 series lead after defeating the Lakers at home on Thursday night in Game 2.
Advertisement
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren.Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Chet Holmgren led the way for the Thunder in Thursday’s victory as he ended the game with 22 points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals while Ajay Mitchell recorded 20 points, three rebounds and six assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Game 3 on Saturday night, both squads may be without one of their star players due to injury.
Thunder Injury Report: Will Jalen Williams Play?
For the Thunder, they have two players listed on their injury report, including star forward Jalen Williams.
Advertisement
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Oklahoma City has ruled out Williams due to a left hamstring strain that he suffered in the first round as he will miss his fifth consecutive contest.
With Williams still sidelined, Mitchell, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace could all continue to have increased roles.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber (12)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder have also ruled out Thomas Sorber as he remains sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL.
On the other side, the Lakers have two players listed on their injury report as well, including star guard Luka Doncic.
Advertisement
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)William Liang-Imagn Images
Los Angeles has ruled out Doncic due to a left hamstring strain that has sidelined him to begin the playoffs and there is still no timetable for his return.
With Doncic still sidelined, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura could both continue to have larger roles.
The Lakers have listed Jarred Vanderbilt as questionable due to a dislocated right finger that he suffered in Game 1 and he is in danger of missing his second straight game.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred VanderbiltAlonzo Adams-Imagn Images
If Vanderbilt remains sidelined, Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia could both be in line for increased roles once again.
Advertisement
Fans can catch Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Thunder and Lakers from Los Angeles on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.