MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon was ruled out of Game 3 of the first-round NBA playoff series at Minnesota on Thursday because of tightness in his left calf muscle.
After initially listing Gordon as questionable to face the Timberwolves, the Nuggets downgraded the 12th-year veteran to doubtful before coach David Adelman declared him out before tipoff. Spencer Jones took Gordon's place in the starting lineup, after totaling just 19 minutes over the first two games.
“Obviously it’s a downer. But it’s over. He’s not playing, so the guys that are are prepared to win," Adelman said.
Gordon, who had 17 points in Game 1, felt the injury after scoring eight points in Denver's Game 2 loss on Monday that allowed Minnesota to tie the series. The Nuggets have also been without forward Peyton Watson for the series because of a strained right hamstring.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets is double teamed by Rui Hachimura #28 and Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets shifts to the latter’s homebase on Friday.
The Lakers look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in Game 3.
Just when everyone thought the Lakers wouldn’t match their performance in Game 1, the purple and gold took their game to another level in Game 2. Not only did their offense overwhelm the Rockets, but their defense was equally impactful, leading to their second straight victory in this series. It has seemed as if Houston has been a step or two behind the Lakers and Game 3 will be their opportunity to catch up.
Now that the series shifts to Houston, the challenge only gets tougher for the purple and gold. Yes, L.A. is up 2-0 and they deserve a lot of praise for doing it without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. But now they’ll likely see a more desperate Rockets team ready to go all out to save their season. At least, that should be the expectation for Game 3.
Here’s what else the Lakers should expect from the Rockets:
A more physical and gritty Rockets team
The Rockets know they’ve been getting punked and embarrassed over the last two games so expect them to rectify that in this one. Look for them to feed off their crowd, which should give them a much-needed boost. Note that the Rockets performed quite well (30-11) on their home floor during the season, so there’s a good chance that they play significantly better in Game 3 than they did in their first two games.
It’s also fair to expect the Rockets to shoot better because that’s what often happens when a team plays on its home floor. Their role players like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason will play with more confidence while Kevin Durant will likely look to be the hero again. The Lakers will have to be ready.
Adjustments on offense
In Game 2, the Lakers focused trapped Durant hard and mercilessly hunted Alperen Şengün on offense, daring the Rockets’ role players to step up. Expect that to be different in Game 3 with Ime Udoka countering with his own adjustments.
This is where the series gets fun as both coaches will be forced to react (or not) and counter. It’s going to be interesting to see how Udoka finds a way to make scoring easier for the Rockets, who badly need to do that if they don’t want a repeat of Games 1 and 2.
Defense to tighten up
At this point, the Rockets are likely sick of Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. It’s a cliche that role players don’t perform as well on the road and it’ll be interesting to see if that applies to not just Kennard and Smart but also the likes of Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Rockets will also attempt to prevent LeBron James from controlling the pace and momentum, which he has done so well in the series thus far.
Heading into Game 3, the Rockets will most probably play their best basketball yet and how the Lakers handle them will determine the outcome of this one. The past two games showed that Los Angeles has able to handle every challenge thrown at them and we’ll see if they can continue to shock the world and keep doing just that on Friday as L.A. looks to go 3-0 in the series.
Notes and Updates
There is a major change to the Lakers’ injury report with Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) now listed as questionable. Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) is out.
For the Rockets, Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) and Fred VanVleet (ACL surgery) are out while Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is questionable.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -APRIL 21: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs holds his head after falling to the court against the Portland Trailblazers in the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on April 21, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs’ injury report for Game 3 against the Trail Blazers had a pleasant surprise. Victor Wembanyama, who exited Game 2 after hitting his head on the floor following a big fall and entered the league’s concussion protocol, was listed as “Questionable,” which means there’s a chance he could suit up.
Initially, it seemed like Wembanyama would miss some time, but he showed good progress, according to Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, and traveled with the team to Portland. He was widely expected to be out for Friday’s matchup, as he still needs league clearance before being able to return to play, but he hasn’t been ruled out, which is fantastic news for San Antonio. It’s still unlikely he’ll be available for Game 3, going by his status in the injury report, but the fact that there’s even a possibility is encouraging and a sign that he could be on the floor for Game 4.
The Spurs head to Portland with a tied series, after winning Game 1 and losing a very close Game 2 in which Wembanyama only played 12 minutes before having to exit. They beat the Trail Blazers 2-1 in the regular season series, including a win on the road, with Wembanyama missing all three games, but the Blazers were also missing some players. The seventh seed has proved to be a tough opponent so far, coming out of the play-in and taking a game in San Antonio. The Silver and Black could still beat them without Wembanyama, but it would likely be a close series that could go either way. If Wemby is back soon, the Spurs go back to being prohibitive favorites.
Jordan McLaughlin was listed as out by the Spurs. The only Trail Blazer to be listed as out is Damian Lillard.
Wembanyama was unanimously crowned Defensive Player of the Year for 2025/26. He’s a finalist for Most Valuable Player. In Game 1’s win, he had 35 points, five rebounds, and two blocks.
The NBA's newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year was officially listed as questionable in the Spurs' injury report released Thursday, April 23. Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, April 24 (10:30 p.m. ET) in Portland.
Wembanyama left Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with a concussion after tripping while driving toward the basket against the Blazers' Jrue Holiday and hitting his head on the court. The incident occurred with just under nine minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Wembanyama remained on the floor, then gathered himself and hurried to the locker room under his own power and was quickly evaluated by the team's medical staff. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that he had entered the league’s concussion protocol and would not return to the game.
Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) is OUT for the remainder of the game after hitting his head on the court. pic.twitter.com/qP8tAf6osN
Wembanyama finished with five points, four rebounds, and one assist in just 12 minutes of play.
Since his NBA career started in 2023, the Spur phenom has suffered various injuries to his ankle and shoulder, among other places, but this is the first concussion.
"He has a concussion and he’s in the protocol, and we’ll obviously take the proper and appropriate steps," Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after Game 2.
Wembanyama traveled with the Spurs to Portland for Games 3 and 4 this weekend, while continuing to abide by the NBA's concussion protocol.
While San Antonio Coach Mitch Johnson said Thursday, April 23 that his star is "progressing," Wembanyama's status for Game 2 remains questionable.
According the reports, Wembanyama was at the team’s practice facility Thursday, walking around in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants and got a few shots off.
What is the NBA's policy on concussions?
According to the NBA’s concussion protocol, a player who sustains a head injury is not eligible to return to play for at least 48 hours from the time of diagnosis. However, after 24 hours, if the player’s symptoms have not worsened, they may gradually resume basketball activities under close supervision. Full clearance to return to game action is only granted after the player is symptom-free and receives approval from the team’s medical staff.
“It’s pretty straightforward,” Johnson said, according to the Associated Press. “Obviously, we hope he’ll be back at some point. But we’ll allow the protocol to play out. And again, there’s nothing more important than his health.”
The officiating in Game 2 between the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder has sparked a full-blown firestorm. Around the league, people are watching the tape, rewinding possessions, isolating moments, and landing in the same place. The whistle was bad. Really bad. So bad that even Bill Simmons is chiming in on the Suns’ behalf, which isn’t something he’s known for doing. Phoenix is generally an afterthought for ‘ole Billy Boston.
Okay. Bill wasn’t defending Phoenix as much as he was criticizing the Thunder. And that is where plenty of the venom is directed today. The spotlight is bright on the flopping, foul-baiting, and fortuitous whistles that have continually benefited OKC. It never helps when Albert Sanders, the Head of Referee Operations, tweets about his affinity for the Thunder, albeit 12 years ago.
Sure, it’s not correlated. James Williams’ poor officiating performance on Wednesday night is not a direct result of the Head of Referee Operations’ prior allegiances. He’s not a sleeper cell agent embedded deep within the NBA officiating crew with the singular goal of helping the Thunder defeat the Suns in the First Round. But it does make for poor optics.
The officiating was questionable during Game 2. It reached a point where, in the postgame press conference, Devin Booker spoke with such clarity that it left little room for interpretation. He said what he saw. He said what he felt.
“It just feels disrespectful,” Booker stated. “I haven’t won a championship in this league, but you know, I have been in it for 11 years now. So to get to this point, to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud. It’s bad.”
And then there is Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, who took to social media and added his voice to the noise.
I am 100% behind Devin Booker here. Last night was not a good look for our league. Let me be clear, we didn’t lose because of officiating, but that doesn’t make last night any less important. If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the… https://t.co/SR0lM9Y3FS
I applaud Mr. Ishbia for standing on business. Accountability as it pertains to officiating is something every fan deserves, and is certainly something I’ve had my rants about in the past.
Fines feel inevitable. Booker will hear from the league office, no doubt. Ultimately, it does nothing for Phoenix. Oklahoma City is the better team, and as Mat Ishbia noted, this was not decided by the whistle. That part is understood. What lingers is the bigger picture, how opponents and fan bases view the Thunder, and how moments like this add fuel to a narrative that continues to grow.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions, and they carry that weight every night. They rebuilt from the ashes after Kevin Durant left for the Golden State Warriors, and what they turned Russell Westbrook and Paul George into will be studied for years. Sam Presti built a machine. It is precise, it is deep, and it wins.
There is also a conversation that follows them. In today’s NBA, players impact the game in a number of ways: scoring, rebounding, facilitating, and defending. But there is another layer, which is a skill nonetheless, and that is the ability to draw a whistle. The ability to control pace, to create contact, and to put officials in a position where a call feels necessary. Oklahoma City leans into that skill, and they have a roster full of players who understand it.
It works. 57+ wins in three straight seasons. A title. And dominance that draws envy from every corner of the league. It also shapes perception. When possessions end with whistles that feel questionable, it pulls attention away from how good they are and places it on how they win. And that part, fair or not, continues to follow them.
I spend a lot of time on opposing team subreddits during games, pulling quotes for the Sub-Reddit Stakeout segment on the Suns JAM Session podcast. It’s one of the darker sides of the Internet, as reactionary takes are the norm and the world is always on the brink of Armageddon. When visiting the Thunder’s game threads, there is one thing that is clear. This fan base feels like it is constantly defending itself. That turns into something else over time. It turns into misery.
I spend a lot of time on opposing team’s sub-Reddit’s during games to see how they perceive the game. I can safely say that no team’s fan base is more miserable than OKC’s. Rather than appreciating the greatness of their team, they complain constantly about how they’re wronged
They are not sitting in the moment and enjoying a championship-level team. They are dissecting every possession, tracking every whistle, asking why more calls are not coming their way. It reads as hypocritical when you watch the film. Off ball grabbing, pulling on cutters, locking up defenders, then on the other end a box out turns into a grab and a fall and the whistle follows. Because the reputation is there, because the conversation never leaves, they cannot escape it. They live in it. Of all the subreddits this season, they are the best team with the most miserable fans.
There’s a connection between those two realities. When a fanbase is locked into every whistle and every perceived slight, it amplifies the scrutiny around how that team actually plays. And right now, that spotlight cuts both ways. The same physicality they benefit from becomes more visible, more debatable, and harder to ignore. That is why this moment matters beyond the outcome of the series. Even if Oklahoma City advances, the conversation does not disappear. It follows them and amplifies. And Phoenix, by pushing back and forcing those sequences into focus, is helping define how that style will be judged the rest of the postseason.
The backlash from the Suns won’t swing this series. Oklahoma City is going to win, and that is fine. Phoenix gets more basketball, more reps, and more clarity against a better team. That has value. What Phoenix is doing right now still matters. It shines a light. It puts this style under a microscope as the postseason moves forward.
There will be attention on the officiating from Wednesday night. The league will review it, and whistles tend to tighten when the noise gets loud enough. That impacts what comes next. Other teams will see it and other teams will benefit from it. Oklahoma City’s fan base will not like that. That part is predictable.
Zoom out, and it feels like the conversation has shifted beyond Phoenix. It is not that the world is on the Suns’ side, it is that the world is pushing back on Oklahoma City.
Suns fans better not get confused that the national media is on their side today
NBA media wants OKC to be kept in check for future series
The Suns did not lose because of the officiating, and everybody knows this
For many people, this is when they lock into the NBA, as the playoffs bring new eyes and fresh attention. This is the product they are seeing. Devin Booker gets hit with an unnatural shooting motion call, on the other end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lives in that same space. It feels forced. It feels off. And as Booker said, it starts to chip away at the integrity of the game.
And that is the part the league should care about most. Not the fines, not the postgame quotes, not even the outcome of this series, but the feeling it leaves behind. When the conversation shifts from execution to officiating, from greatness to gamesmanship, it muddies what should be a showcase of the sport at its highest level. Oklahoma City is too good, too complete, and too well-built for the discourse to keep circling back to the whistle. But until that balance is corrected, until the game feels as natural as it is elite, this narrative will linger. Not because people are looking for something to complain about, but because, right now, it is too visible to ignore.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to do what hasn't been done in nearly a decade in the NBA: win back-to-back titles.
Although their path to the NBA Finals will be difficult, as they are almost guaranteed to have to face two of the Lakers, Rockets, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Spurs in the next two rounds, they have proven themselves a capable team very much worthy of creating the next NBA dynasty.
However, their road to the championship was just made a whole lot tougher.
Williams exited during the third quarter after grabbing his left hamstring following a layup attempt and did not return. The 2025 NBA All-Star had scored 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting in 23 minutes when he exited the game.
Williams has proven himself an invaluable asset to this Thunder squad and an extended absence could be devastating to the Thunder's championship hopes.
Jalen Williams evaluation
Williams will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. According to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, a Grade 1 hamstring strain is a mild strain with very little torn muscle. The injury usually has a recovery timeline of 1-2 weeks, which would keep Williams sidelined for at least Games 3-5 of the first round.
This injury is rather concerning for Williams considering that Williams already missed 49 games this season due to a hamstring strain in his right leg.
Williams has also suffered other injuries since last year's NBA Finals victory, undergoing wrist surgery soon after the championship, which forced him to miss the start of the regular season.
Jalen Williams stats
Jalen Williams averaged 17.1 points and 5.5 assists per game this season, a major reason the team boasted the best record in the NBA this season. Williams recorded 22 points and seven rebounds in Oklahoma City's Game 1 win.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 20: Jarrett Allen #31 and Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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We may not know the availability of the San Antonio Spurs’ star until shortly before tip-off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
These Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks have a better chance of cashing if Victor Wembanyama is ruled out, but it could still win with him in the lineup on Friday, April 24.
If Wembanyama plays, De’Aaron Fox could still score 20+ points... but if Wembanyama does not, this thought may become an assurance.
Fox averaged 24.6 points in 18 games without Wembanyama this season, clearing this prop in 15 of those 18 contests.
Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per game in eight matches without Wembanyama, a number deflated by a reboundless 16-minute showing in November. Remove that, and it jumps to 7.7 rpg in seven games.
As for including the Over with Wembanyama on the sideline, he is the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year. San Antonio’s defensive rating jumps 6.6 points per 100 possessions in games that Wembanyama does not play.
There is too much value in this thought not to include the Over, regardless of knowing Wemby’s status.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
You had my interest, but now you have my attention, Portland Trail Blazers.
While no one is glad Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs suddenly have a series on their hands.
Tonight's Spurs vs. Trail Blazers predictions and NBA picks should hold up regardless of whether Wembanyama takes the court on Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers prediction
Who will win Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3?
Trail Blazers: Opportunities are the only things given in life, and this may be Portland’s opportunity. Any uncertainty around Victor Wembanyama throws this series into disarray — a chance the Trail Blazers must capitalize on. At home, with that possible spark, it provides more Portland intrigue than was ever expected this postseason.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers best bet: De’Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points (-110)
Victor Wembanyama has traveled with the San Antonio Spurs to the Pacific Northwest. That is the first step toward him playing this weekend, though one has to remain skeptical that he will play Game 3.
The Spurs are plenty competitive without Wembanyama. Playing the Portland Trail Blazers without him will not assure a loss in any regard, and concussions are not something to rush back from.
Wembanyama’s availability won’t be entirely up to San Antonio; once in concussion protocols, a league doctor also has to sign off on his ability to play. He very well might play, but the savvy bettor finds a bet that could cash with Wembanyama playing and has even better odds with him sidelined.
A bet like trusting De’Aaron Fox to pour in some points.
In 54 games alongside Wembanyama this regular season, Fox averaged 16.5 points. In 18 contests with Wembanyama sidelined, Fox averaged 24.6 points.
Fox attempted 4.2 more shots per game without Wembanyama on the court, including two additional 3-pointers.
Do not fret that this is the result of a few high-scoring matches. Fox scored 20 or more points in 15 of those 18 games without Wembanyama.
Even with his star Frenchman center on the court, Fox could very well clear this modest points prop, and the number becomes even more favorable if Wembanyama misses Game 3.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Similar to the logic of Fox averaging 8.1 more points in games without Wembanyama, Stephon Castle averaged 6.8 rebounds per contest in eight games without the Spurs’ centerpiece, compared to just 5.1 across 60 with him.
This prop could cash if Wemby plays, but looks far more likely if he doesn’t.
And unsurprisingly, San Antonio’s defensive rating spikes without Wembanyma on the court, 6.6 points worse per 100 possessions in 18 games without him.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Spurs’ offensive rating does not waver.
Spurs vs Trail Blazers SGP
De'Aaron Fox Over 19.5 points
Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
Over 220.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Rose City
If Wembanyama is sidelined or even just limited, this is Portland's chance to see a path to the second round.
You cannot let this opportunity pass you by. Desperation needs to be the Blazers' default.
A spread of +1.5 is effectively a tilted pick’em, and it is undervaluing what Wembanyama means.
San Antonio was favored by 10.5 in Game 2. Adjusting for homecourt, a quick line of +4.5 would make sense on Friday night.
Is Wembanyama really worth only three points? Until Portland is favored, lean into this, via spread or moneyline.
Over/Under: Over 220.5 (-110) | Under 220.5 (-110)
Spurs vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
Portland went 25-16 against the spread at home this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Spurs vs Trail Blazers Game 3
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Spurs vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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The Denver Nuggets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Denver and the series’ next two games will be in Minneapolis. Nuggets starting forward Aaron Gordon will miss the game with a calf strain.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1:Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105 Game 2:Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114 Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video) Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC) *Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD) *Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD) *Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
It was a season and a half of ups and downs for Jonathan Kuminga with the Warriors. Between injuries, limited minutes and butting heads with coach Steve Kerr, the writing was all but on the wall heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
However, Kuminga remained on the Warriors’ roster until February 2026 when he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks with Buddy Hield for Kristaps Porziņģis.
On Thursday, following the Hawks’ 109-108 upset NBA playoff victory over the New York Knicks, CJ McCollum, who hit the go-ahead jumper with 12.7 seconds remaining, spoke with reporters and had an interesting thought on Kuminga’s past situation with the Warriors.
“He was in a not so great situation and now he’s found a happy home over here,” McCollum told reporters.
CJ on Kuminga:
"(He) has championship DNA coming from the Warriors, he understands how to play the game the right way. He was in a not so great situation and now he's found a happy home" https://t.co/HSwX7P2BCkpic.twitter.com/hupdzkF2EE
In 16 regular-season games with the Hawks, Kuminga averaged 12.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 22.1 minutes per game – which is comparable to his 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 23.8 minutes per game with Golden State this season.
However, his minutes have significantly increased up to 31.0 minutes per game as he and McCollum have helped lead the Hawks to a two-games-to-one series lead over the Knicks.
While Kuminga’s time with the Warriors might have come to an unceremonious ending, it seems he has found a home in Atlanta — and his teammates seem happy to have him.
The Denver Nuggets are facing an injury issue to one of their key players.
Power forward Aaron Gordon, a versatile playmaker and defender, appeared on the injury report with left calf tightness.
It’s yet another injury Gordon is having to contend with this season, after he sat most of the year with hamstring and calf issues. Either way, Gordon is a crucial part of Denver’s offense, as a ball-handling big who can create for others, as a spot-up 3-point shooter, and as a lob threat from the dunker’s spot.
Gordon is also a steady defensive presence down low who offers some rim protection capability. Against an aggressive Timberwolves team that likes to drive the ball and get to the paint with Anthony Edwards, any Gordon absence would come as a blow to the Nuggets, who lost Game 2 on Monday, April 20, leaving the series tied at one game apiece.
Here’s everything you need to know about Aaron Gordon’s status for Game 3.
Is Aaron Gordon playing tonight?
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Gordon will not play Thursday, April 23 in Game 3 of Denver’s first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On the latest injury report, however, Gordon was still listed as questionable.
Aaron Gordon stats
In 36 games this season, Gordon averaged 16.2 points on 49.7% shooting, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He also shot 38.9% from 3-point range.
The Los Angeles Lakers were left for dead when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were ruled out for this Round 1 matchup with the Houston Rockets.
But after two games in L.A., it would seem everyone and their cat is writing off Kevin Durant and the Rockets. Well, everyone but oddsmakers.
Houston is a near double-digit home chalk for Game 3 and while my same-game parlay doesn’t think the Rockets can cover that spread, it does see Durant bouncing back from a bad series debut.
The extra days off and a move to Texas helps the Houston Rockets get right, but this spread is a beefy ask for a team that’s looked lost in the opening two games – with or without KD. The Los Angeles Lakers can keep it closer than 10 points on Friday.
Kevin Durant scored 20 points in the opening half of Game 2, then finished with only three more to stay short of his scoring prop of 23.5 O/U.
Durant told reporters he plans to be more aggressive against the Lakers’ double teams, opting to shoot more than his 12 FGAs in Game 2. Projections sit as high as 28 points from Durant, who’s had extra time to rest his ailing knee before Friday night.
Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent for L.A. in the opening two games of the series, knocking down 50% of his looks for tallies of 13 and 14 points.
I do suspect some of the Lakers role players to take a step back on the road, but Rui doesn’t shrink in enemy territory and is projected for 15 points in Game 3.
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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Josh Hart #3 & Karl-Anthony Towns #32 help up Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks against the Atlanta Hawks during Round One Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks head to Atlanta for Game Three with their First Round series knotted at one, still stinging from a Game Two fourth-quarter collapse. Although they led through most of the first two games, concerning (effort, mental) lapses and disconnect on offense have the alarm bells clanging. New York is still in command of the series, but falling behind 1-2 would make their lives more difficult and incite brain meltdowns across the fanbase.
Tip-off is 7:00 pm EST on Amazon Prime. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Remember your manners. And go Knicks!
The Houston Rockets face an uphill battle tonight as they host the Los Angeles Lakers, who are confident and holding a 2-0 series lead.
To make matters worse, the Rockets will be without Kevin Durant once again, and that has seen the Rockets' spread shorten.
My Lakers vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks believe Rui Hachimura can be a difference maker for the Lakers on Friday, April 24.
UPDATE: Added new selections after Kevin Durant's injury news.
Lakers vs Rockets prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Rockets Game 3?
Rockets: Houston has enjoyed extra time to rest and reset, ironing out the offensive kinks in time for a win in Game 3.
The Rockets are still laying -6.5 on Friday, and while that may be a tad too much, Houston will get right.
Lakers vs Rockets best bet: Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points (-110)
Rui Hachimura has quietly carved out a consistent scoring role for the Los Angeles Lakers, and the matchup sets up well for that to continue.
The Houston Rockets have shown a tendency to collapse into the paint, leaving corner shooters exposed — exactly where Hachimura thrives.
He’s already posted 13 and 14 points in the first two games while shooting 11-for-20 from the field, and most of that production is coming on clean, repeatable looks.
With steady minutes and a slight bump in available shots, this number is still a step behind his current role.
Lakers vs Rockets same-game parlay
The Rockets may win this one, but the spread seems out of whack considering how well the Lakers are playing right now. I expect some offensive adjustments from Houston, but I don’t think they're going to pull away.
The Lakers have gotten some great performances from their role players, and Rui Hachimura has been quietly consistent through two games. He’s shooting a collective 11-for-20 from the field (5-for-10 on 3-pointers), doesn’t shrink on the road, and is projected for as many as 15 points in Game 3.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Opportunity knocks for LBJ
Without Durant in the lineup, LeBron James should thrive as a scorer and take his opportunity to push the Rockets to the brink.
The Lakers keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, while the Rockets’ offense will finally find its way and top this ultra-low total.
Lakers vs Rockets SGP
Lakers +6.5
Over 206.5
Rui Hachimura Over 13.5 points
LeBron James Over 23.5 points
Lakers vs Rockets odds for Game 3
Spread: Los Angeles +9.5 (-110) | Houston -9.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Los Angeles +320 | Houston -400
Over/Under: Over 205.5 (-110) | Under 205.5 (-110)
Lakers vs Rockets betting trend to know
NBA playoff totals of 206 points or lower have produced a 21-14 Over/Under record the past three postseasons (60% Overs). Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Rockets.
How to watch Lakers vs Rockets Game 3
Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Date
Friday, April 24, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Lakers vs Rockets latest injuries
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