When Will Luka Doncic Return?
Speaking of Doncic, he doesn’t appear as close to returning as Reaves. Doncic has also been out since April 2 due to a Grade 2 hamstring injury. Doncic has shown limited progress in his recovery.
“He just continues to do some stuff on the court. He was able to move today a little bit on the court. Most of the stuff has been at a n standstill. He’s progressing. No update on any timeline or anything like that,” Redick said last night about Doncic’s recovery.
However, Dr. Jesse Morse, a Miami-based MD who specializes in Sports and Family Medicine, gave some hope that Doncic could return during the second round of the playoffs if the Lakers advance.
“Sounds like Luka Doncic is about 10-14 days away from returning to the court,” Morse tweeted in response to Redick’s press conference answer.
Kevin Durant Could Play Again In The First Round
While the Lakers have been without Doncic and Reaves, the Rockets have been shorthanded as well. Kevin Durant has misseGamesme 1,, 3 and, 4 and hiperformancece in Game 2 wadisastrousus with an ankle injury. Durant was efficient as a scorer against the Lakers in Game 2, tallying 23 points on 7 of 12 shooting. However, the 37-year-old grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists, though he committed nine turnovers. Before Game 4, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the bone bruise in his ankle would sideline Durant for 2 to 3 weeks during the regular season. Charania added that Durant has been receiving around-the-clock treatment but has not been cleared by doctors.
However, Rockets coach Ime Udoka gave a little more optimistic view following last night’s win, per Will Guillory of The Athletic.
“Ime Udoka said there is still a possibility that Kevin Durant returns at some point this series,” Guillory tweeted. “Just depends on how he feels and if they can extend the series.”
Houston has struggled immensely throughout the playoffs, though they have been better in the last two games. The Rockets average 103.8 points in the series, even though they are shooting just 41.6% from the field while making 10.3 threes at 31.3%.
The Rockets are 5-2 without Durant this year. So, expect Durant to be listed as questionable at best for Game 5. Tari Eason has been starting in place of Durant. Eason has had an uneven series, playing well in Games 1 and 4 while struggling in Games 2 and 3.
