The Los Angeles Lakers were able to pull off a first-round NBA Playoff upset of the Houston Rockets, but the absence of their best player is starting to show. L.A. has missed superstar PG Luka Doncic all postseason and now enters an elimination scenario on Monday.
Ahead of Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, much has been made about Doncic’s nagging hamstring issue. Having not played in a game since April 2, how close is he to returning?
Let’s break down the latest Luka Doncic injury update, if Doncic will play tonight, and which players to target in the Western Conference semifinals.
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Luka Doncic Injury Update: Is Doncic Playing Tonight vs. Thunder?
Per the official Monday NBA injury report, Doncic is once again listed as out due to a left hamstring strain.
This marks the continuation of an extended absence for Doncic, who was expected to miss at least the first two games of this series to begin with. Although he’s progressed in rehab, the six-time All-Star still isn’t cleared for full basketball activity by way of an in-game return.
Doncic first suffered the Grade II hamstring injury, ironically, against this very Thunder team in early April. During a 139-96 blowout loss, the All-NBA guard pulled up after aggravating a seemingly nagging ailment.
In 64 regular-season games, Doncic was the Lakers’ top option on offense, leading the sport with an average of 33.5 points on 47.6% shooting from the field. He truly came alive after the All-Star break, pouring in 34.7 PPG on a scorching 40.1% via 3-pointers.
Since taking down Houston in six games, Los Angeles has struggled immensely against Oklahoma City. The Thunder have won each of the first three second-round games by at least 18 points, with Saturday’s outcome being the most lopsided at 23 points.
It remains to be seen what Doncic’s status will be should the Lakers extend their season by winning on Monday night.
What Lakers Players to Target on PrizePicks With Doncic Out?
Whenever you’re missing the second-leading NBA Playoff scorer ever on a per-game basis, you’re bound to feel his absence. That’s definitely the case with Doncic. Per databallr, the Lakers were 5.3 points per 100 possessions worse without him in the regular season and have a -4.8 net rating in the postseason.
On the player front, multiple Los Angeles standouts produce differently with and without Doncic. SG Austin Reaves sees a massive boost in output when his fellow star guard is on the bench, as evidenced by a 13.1% uptick in usage rate and a 13.5-point boost per 75 possessions. F LeBron James has also turned back the clock without Doncic, sporting a 31.7% usage rate compared to a 23.1% one with him.
An underrated Lakers contributor this postseason has been G Marcus Smart. Although he’s primarily a defensive stopper, he’s 4.1% more involved on offensive possessions when Doncic rests.
Here are the Lakers players who may benefit most on PrizePicks while Doncic remains out, as well as their stat projections for tonight.
- Austin Reaves vs. Thunder Projections: 21.5 Points / 4 Rebounds / 1.5 3-PT Made (Goblin)
- LeBron James vs. Thunder Projections: 23 Points / 6 Rebounds / 7.5 Assists
- Marcus Smart vs. Thunder Projections: 9.5 Points (Goblin) / 1.5 3-PT Made (Goblin) / 4 Assists
James, known for being one of the best elimination game players ever, has his back against the wall on Monday. Can the 41-year-old provide another classic performance under the bright lights?
Pick More or Less Lakers player stats on PrizePicks now before the 10:30 p.m. ET tip.
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Make Thunder vs. Lakers Game 4 Picks on PrizePicks
The Lakers already face a tall task in defeating the dominant Thunder, even if the game is at home. With Doncic still not ready to get back out on the hardwood, pulling off an upset becomes even more daunting of a task.
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