When is Luka Doncic returning? Injury update for Lakers-Thunder NBA Playoffs Game 2

Luka Dončić was officially ruled out Wednesday for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals between the OKC Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers.

Doncic continues to works his way back onto the court, as his Lakers face the Thunder in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

Doncic has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The superstar guard told the media Wednesday that he has started running, but he hasn’t yet been cleared for full contact.

“I’m just doing everything I can,” Doncic said. “Every day, I’m doing things I’m supposed to do. Obviously, I’m recovering, and now I’m working. The doctor said eight weeks at the beginning of the first MRI. So I’m just going day by day, and I feel better every day.”

Doncic received that first MRI on April 3, which was nearly five weeks ago. If the eight-week recovery timeline holds up, he’d miss the entire second-round series against OKC.

The Thunder already holds a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. It claimed a 108-90 home win in Game 1 on Tuesday.

“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is,” Doncic said. “All I want to do is play basketball, especially this time (of year). It’s the best time to play basketball. It’s very frustrating. Seeing what my team is doing, I’m very proud of them. But it’s been very tough just to sit and watch them play.”

Game 2 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CT Thursday in Oklahoma City (Prime Video).

MUSSATTO: Thunder shows how big its margin for error is vs. Lakers in Game 1 rout

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe arrives before Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort arrives before Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrives before Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

Shirts are pictured before Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

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What time is Thunder vs Lakers game tonight?

Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City

More: Luka Doncic gives injury update on hamstring before Lakers-Thunder NBA Playoffs Game 2

What channel is OKC Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers on tonight?

More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder shake off rust to rout Lakers in ‘imperfect’ Game 1

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers in Game 1 NBA Playoffs, see top photos

Shirts are pictured before Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

More: Thunder shows how big its margin for error is vs. Lakers in Game 1 rout

Thunder vs Lakers predictions, picks

Justin Martinez: OKC 121, Los Angeles 104

LeBron James scored a game-high 27 points during Game 1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played below his standards with 18 points and seven turnovers. And yet OKC still won by 18 points. The Thunder has the better defense, which is filled with elite talent both on the perimeter and around the rim. And it has the better offense, especially with Luka Doncic continuing to miss time. OKC is simply the better team, and it’ll continue to show that by earning a Game 2 win.

More: Austin Reaves’ struggles compound Lakers’ uphill battle vs Thunder in NBA Playoffs

Thunder vs Lakers betting odds

Odds via BetMGM as of Wednesday, May 6

Moneyline: OKC -900 | Los Angeles +600

More: Meet the OKC Thunder fans handing out 3D-printed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoes

More: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise is starting to mirror his new NBA playoff foe LeBron James

Thunder vs Lakers injury updates

Lakers: Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out. Luka Kennard (neck soreness) is questionable. Jarred Vanderbilt (right finger dislocation) is doubtful.

More: Jarred Vanderbilt exits with gruesome finger injury in Lakers-Thunder NBA playoff game

Projected OKC Thunder starters

More: Meet the OKC Thunder’s roster for 2025-26 NBA season

Projected Los Angeles Lakers starters

Thunder vs Lakers playoff schedule: Date, time, TV for second round of 2026 NBA Playoffs

Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Luka Doncic injury update before Lakers-Thunder Game 2 of NBA Playoffs

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