Charania: Luka Doncic expected to miss second round of NBA playoffs
Luka Doncic is expected to miss the second round of the NBA playoffs if the Los Angeles Lakers advance, due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain that has slowed his recovery. ESPN's Shams Charania reported there is still no timetable for his return, and he has not progressed to intense on-court workouts. The Lakers are currently facing the Houston Rockets in the first round and could meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round. Doncic's potential return timeline aligns with late in the second round, depending on the playoff schedule.
- ▪Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 and is not close to returning to play.
- ▪According to Shams Charania, Doncic is expected to miss the second round of the playoffs if the Lakers advance.
- ▪Doncic has started light court movement but is not yet engaging in one-on-one drills or intense movement.
- ▪The typical recovery time for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is four to six weeks, placing Doncic's return near the end of the second round.
- ▪If the Lakers beat the Rockets, they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
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