Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers has been upgraded to questionable with an oblique strain ahead of Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid moved from out to doubtful following an appendectomy. Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is questionable with a new left ankle sprain.
The NBA playoffs have seen several star players sidelined by injuries, impacting series outcomes as teams vie for the championship. Ahead of Friday's Game 3 between the Lakers and Rockets, Reaves appeared on the injury report as questionable. He has missed the final five regular-season games and the first two playoff games since suffering the oblique strain on April 2. The Lakers have relied heavily on LeBron James in his absence, with Luka Dončić also out due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Rockets face uncertainty with Durant listed as questionable for a left ankle sprain. He sat out Game 1 in Los Angeles due to a right knee bruise but scored 23 points in Game 2 despite the loss. Houston's offense has struggled in the series, and Durant's status adds pressure on the supporting cast. In the East, Embiid was upgraded to doubtful for the 76ers' Game 3 against the Boston Celtics in Philadelphia. The center underwent an emergency appendectomy on April 9, ending his regular season. Philadelphia evened the series with a Game 2 win over Boston. Other updates include Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams out at least a week with a Grade 1 hamstring strain from Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns. The defending champions will evaluate him weekly. Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon will miss Game 3 in Minnesota due to a calf injury, with that series tied 1-1.
