Friday, April 24, 2026

Victor Wembanyama is out for Game 3 after sustaining a concussion in Tuesday's Game 2 loss. The Spurs star will have his next shot to play Sunday in Portland. Luke Kornet is expected to draw the start in his absence, with Carter Bryant and Harrison Barnes also likely to see more minutes.

Kevin Durant sprained his left ankle during Phoenix's Game 2 loss and will sit out Game 3 as the series shifts to Houston. The veteran had returned from a tendon bruise to post 23 points across 41 minutes in Game 2, but Sunday now looms as his next — and potentially final — chance to suit up this season.

Joel Embiid remains sidelined following his April 10 appendectomy but has been upgraded to questionable for Sunday's Game 4, a mildly encouraging sign. Adem Bona is expected to continue starting at center in the meantime. Immanuel Quickley, meanwhile, has suffered a setback with his right hamstring strain and is now ruled out for the entirety of the first round. Jamal Shead will keep the starting point guard duties for Toronto.

Austin Reaves was ultimately ruled out of the Lakers' Game 3 win despite carrying a questionable tag, and his status for Sunday's Game 4 remains questionable. Coach JJ Redick is expected to provide an update Saturday afternoon. Jonathan Isaac is also out for Game 3 with a left knee sprain and is unlikely to return for Game 4 on Monday either.

Isaiah Joe is doubtful for Friday's game due to a personal matter, opening the door for Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain to see expanded roles. Peyton Watson remains out for a ninth straight game with a left hamstring strain, keeping Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson in prominent wing roles for Denver.

Marcus Smart delivered a memorable performance in the Lakers' overtime win over Houston, finishing with 21 points, 10 assists, and a remarkable five steals. The veteran guard's two-way effort was central to Los Angeles pulling out a hard-fought Game 3 victory in the absence of Austin Reaves.

Los Angeles Lakers def. Houston Rockets, 112-108 (OT) — The Lakers survived a tough Game 3 in overtime, improving their position in the first-round series. Houston's starting lineup included Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun, with Durant unavailable for the Suns — though notably, Durant plays for Phoenix, not Houston, and was not a factor in this matchup.