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Injuries, Clutch Plays Recast NBA First Round as Lakers Go Up 3-0

Injuries are tilting early series toward teams with veteran poise heading into weekend Game 4s.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets speaks with Tari Eason #17 during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court during the final minutes of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes up for a shot over Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) during Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoff series at Moda Center in Portland, Friday, April 24, 2026. Castle had 33 points, two rebounds and 5 assists, which helped lead the Spurs to a 120-108 victory.
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Overview

  • The Lakers won 112-108 in overtime Friday in Houston to take a 3-0 lead, with LeBron James hitting a tying three in the final seconds and Marcus Smart scoring eight points in OT.
  • Houston played without Kevin Durant, ruled out with a sprained left ankle after his Game 2 injury, and coach Ime Udoka labeled the late turnovers and foul that opened the door for Los Angeles as horrendous mistakes.
  • Minnesota moved ahead 2-1 by beating Denver 113-96 on Thursday, holding the Nuggets to 34.1% shooting as Aaron Gordon sat with left calf tightness that weakened Denver’s size and finishing options.
  • Boston edged Philadelphia 108-100 to lead 2-1, with Joel Embiid ruled out as he continues to recover from an appendectomy and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scoring 25 points.
  • Game 4s land Sunday, and with no NBA team ever rallying from 0-3, player availability and closing execution could speed a Lakers advance and shape whether the Wolves and Celtics press their edges or face a reset.