By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to start a best-of-seven series in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the Los Angeles Lakers hold a commanding 2-0 lead over a Houston Rockets squad struggling to find its rhythm and its health.
Their resilience has been tested since early April. With Game 3 shifting the series to Toyota Center on Friday, the Slovenian superstar remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain, though he provided a glimmer of hope by participating in light shooting drills at the team’s practice facility before the flight to Texas.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old Reaves was upgraded to questionable for Game 3, signaling a potential return as the Lakers look to push Houston to the brink of elimination. Also, Jake LaRavia is expected to remain available after a brief scare involving a right ankle sprain in Game 2.
The Rockets find themselves in a precarious position. After missing the series opener due to a right knee contusion, Kevin Durant returned in Game 2 only to be added back to the injury report as questionable for Friday with a left ankle sprain. His potential absence would be a devastating blow, with Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) already out.
For Houston’s young core, the directive for Game 3 is simple. When asked what his side must do to defend home court and claw back into the series, Turkish starting center Alperen Sengun offered a blunt assessment after team practice on Thursday. “Make some shots,” he said.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-1 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-1 (126-115, 114-119)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions