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Wembanyama Returns as Spurs Go Up 3-1, Celtics Cruise, and Rockets Stay Alive

Player availability is tilting early playoff leverage more than matchups.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 25: Members of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves get into a scrum in the fourth quarter of Game Four of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves were ejected from the game. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-96. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • San Antonio, which wiped out a 19-point hole Sunday, beat Portland 114-93 to take a 3-1 lead as Victor Wembanyama posted 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks and De'Aaron Fox scored 28.
  • Wembanyama said parts of his concussion return were handled in a disappointing way, highlighting a protocol that brings players back through staged exertion and multiple medical clearances.
  • Boston routed Philadelphia 128-96 on the road to lead 3-1, with Payton Pritchard scoring a career-playoff-high 32 and Jayson Tatum adding 30 as Joel Embiid returned from an appendectomy and had 26 points.
  • Houston avoided a sweep with a 115-96 win over the Lakers to force Game 5, with Kevin Durant still out with an ankle bone bruise, Deandre Ayton ejected for a flagrant-2, and LeBron James limited to 10 points with eight turnovers.
  • Denver trails Minnesota 3-1 heading into Game 5, and history shows only 13 of 298 teams have rallied from that deficit, underscoring how injuries and returns are shaping which clubs advance.