Thursday, April 23, 2026

Jalen Williams is the biggest injury news out of Wednesday's action. The Thunder star left Game 2 against Phoenix in the third quarter with a left hamstring strain confirmed by MRI. He's expected to miss at least Oklahoma City's next three postseason games, though a sweep of the Suns could buy him additional recovery time. Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace, and Ajay Mitchell will be counted on to fill the void.

Victor Wembanyama is questionable for Game 3 in Portland after suffering a concussion in Wednesday's Game 2 that forced him out in the second quarter. He has been cleared to travel with San Antonio and will have a chance to work through the league's concussion protocol before tipoff. Aaron Gordon, originally listed as probable with calf tightness, has been ruled out for Denver's Game 3. Spencer Jones and Tim Hardaway should see expanded frontcourt minutes in his absence.

Kevin Durant is questionable for Houston's Game 3 on Friday after aggravating a bruised right knee in Tuesday's Game 2 loss. Regardless of Durant's status, coach Ime Udoka has pledged more playing time for Reed Sheppard. Anthony Edwards is also questionable after leaving Wednesday's game in the fourth quarter with a knee concern, though he returned to the bench and is considered day-to-day.

Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for the Lakers, a positive sign after missing time during the first round. Joel Embiid is doubtful for Philadelphia's Game 3 but has been cleared for limited practice, a step forward after being ruled out for Games 1 and 2. Adem Bona is expected to start again. Immanuel Quickley and Jordan McLaughlin are both out and will target Game 4 at the earliest.

Jamal Shead delivered an eye-catching defensive performance in Toronto's dominant 126-104 win over Cleveland, racking up five steals to go along with five assists. Shead has been filling in as a starter for the injured Quickley and made his presence felt emphatically in Game 3.

Atlanta Hawks edged the New York Knicks 109-108 in a one-point thriller. It was the closest of the three games played Wednesday, with Atlanta escaping New York with a narrow victory to keep their series alive or extend their advantage depending on the series standing.

Three games were played in total on Wednesday, April 22. The Toronto Raptors also recorded a comfortable blowout win over Cleveland, 126-104, in addition to the Hawks-Knicks nailbiter.