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Is Luka Doncic Out for the Season? Lakers Star Not Out for Season, Day-to-Day Pending MRI Results

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Luka Dončić

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is not expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after exiting Thursday night’s blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with a left hamstring injury, though his immediate return remains uncertain as he undergoes an MRI on Friday, April 3.

Luka Dončić
Luka Dončić

Doncic left the game in the third quarter after appearing to aggravate the same left hamstring that caused him to miss several games in February. He hobbled to the baseline, went down briefly, and was ruled out for the rest of the contest as the Lakers fell to a heavy defeat against the Western Conference leaders. Coach JJ Redick confirmed postgame that Doncic had felt discomfort in the first half, received treatment at halftime, and was cleared to continue before the injury flared up again.

The team has described the latest episode as a strain, with early indications suggesting it may be mild rather than a severe tear. Redick emphasized caution, noting that soft-tissue injuries like this require careful management to avoid a longer absence. An MRI scheduled for Friday will provide a clearer picture of the severity and help determine a precise timeline.

This marks the latest chapter in Doncic’s battle with lower-body issues since joining the Lakers. The Slovenian star missed four games in February with a similar left hamstring problem and has been listed as questionable or day-to-day at various points this season. Despite the setbacks, he has delivered elite production when healthy, averaging around 33-34 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game while playing in the majority of contests.

Impact on Lakers’ Playoff Positioning

The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for the Lakers, who are battling for favorable seeding in a highly competitive Western Conference. With only a handful of regular-season games remaining, every missed contest carries weight. Doncic has already played 64 games this season and needs to appear in at least one of the team’s final five games to meet the 65-game threshold for certain end-of-season awards and statistical considerations.

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In his absence, the Lakers will lean more heavily on LeBron James, Austin Reaves and supporting cast members. James, at 41, continues to defy age with strong performances, but the offensive burden shifts significantly without Doncic’s playmaking and scoring gravity. The team’s depth has been tested throughout the year, making health management critical as the postseason approaches.

History of Caution with Soft-Tissue Injuries

Lakers medical staff have taken a conservative approach with Doncic’s hamstring concerns throughout the campaign. Previous episodes were labeled “mild strains,” with recovery timelines ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on response to treatment. Redick and the front office have repeatedly stressed the importance of avoiding re-aggravation, especially with the playoffs looming.

Hamstring strains are notoriously tricky in the NBA due to the explosive movements required in modern basketball. Recovery often involves rest, targeted rehabilitation, anti-inflammatory measures and gradual reintroduction to on-court activity. Experts note that rushing back from such injuries frequently leads to longer absences, a lesson many teams have learned the hard way.

Fan reaction on social media has been a mix of concern and cautious optimism. Many point to Doncic’s history of returning stronger after previous setbacks, while others worry about the cumulative toll of the long season on his body.

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What Comes Next for Doncic and the Lakers

The MRI results on Friday will be pivotal. If the strain proves mild, Doncic could be listed as day-to-day with a potential return within one to two weeks, depending on how the injury responds to treatment. A more significant strain might sideline him for several games, though current reporting suggests the Lakers are optimistic it is not season-ending.

The team has not placed a firm timeline on his return, preferring to let medical evaluations guide decisions. Redick noted that the organization will prioritize long-term health over short-term availability, especially given the physical demands of the postseason.

For the remainder of the regular season, the Lakers must navigate a tough schedule without their primary offensive engine. Games against strong opponents will test their resilience and depth, potentially influencing final seeding and first-round matchup scenarios.

Doncic himself has shown resilience throughout his career, often bouncing back from injuries with impressive performances. His leadership and basketball IQ remain valuable even when sidelined, as he continues to support teammates from the bench or during recovery.

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Broader Context in the NBA Season

Doncic’s latest injury adds to the list of star players dealing with ailments as the 2025-26 campaign nears its conclusion. The compressed schedule and physical nature of the game continue to challenge even the league’s most durable talents. For the Lakers, maintaining competitiveness while managing star health has been a recurring theme this year.

As the MRI results emerge and more details become available, the basketball world will watch closely. A quick recovery would boost Los Angeles’ playoff hopes significantly, while a longer absence could alter their trajectory in a conference where every win matters.

In the immediate term, focus remains on Friday’s imaging and the Lakers’ medical team’s assessment. Fans and analysts alike hope for positive news that allows one of the league’s brightest stars to return soon and help guide his team into the postseason with momentum.

Whether Doncic misses a handful of games or requires more extended rest, the priority for the Lakers is ensuring he is fully healthy when the playoffs begin. For now, the superstar is day-to-day, with the coming days expected to bring greater clarity on his status and the team’s path forward.

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First Resource Bancorp, Inc. (FRSB) Presents at Banking Virtual Investor Conference – Slideshow

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

First Resource Bancorp, Inc. (FRSB) Presents at Banking Virtual Investor Conference – Slideshow

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Lucid misses first-quarter vehicle delivery estimates on supplier disruptions

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Lucid misses first-quarter vehicle delivery estimates on supplier disruptions


Lucid misses first-quarter vehicle delivery estimates on supplier disruptions

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Form 13D/A WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORP For: 3 April

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Apple SVP O’Brien sells $7.6m in AAPL stock

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NYSE And Nasdaq Shut For Holiday

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Visitors at the Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market is closed today, Friday, April 3, 2026, as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq observe Good Friday, one of the few non-federal holidays when major U.S. equities exchanges halt all trading.

A Wall Street sign outside the New York Stock Exchange

Both the NYSE and Nasdaq will remain shuttered for the full day in observance of the Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Regular trading will resume on Monday, April 6, at the standard 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time schedule.

The closure creates a four-day Easter long weekend for Wall Street, following normal trading on Thursday, April 2. It also marks the start of a quieter period for many investors, with limited new economic data expected until next week. The bond market, however, will follow a shortened schedule, closing early at noon Eastern Time on Good Friday, according to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

Good Friday has long been a traditional stock market holiday in the United States, even though it is not a federal holiday observed by all government offices or banks nationwide. The NYSE and Nasdaq have observed the closure consistently for decades, aligning with many global financial centers that also shut for the occasion. In 2026, the holiday falls on April 3, creating an extended break that some traders welcome amid recent market volatility tied to geopolitical developments.

The decision to close stems from the NYSE’s official holiday calendar, which lists Good Friday among the 10 full-day closures for 2026. Other upcoming closures include Memorial Day on May 25 and Juneteenth on June 19. Early closures at 1 p.m. ET are scheduled for the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve later in the year.

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For individual investors, the closure means no trading in U.S. equities, options or most related derivatives on major exchanges. Pre-market and after-hours sessions are also unavailable. Futures markets for equities may see limited or no activity, though some commodity and currency futures could operate on adjusted schedules.

Many brokerage platforms and apps reflect the holiday by disabling stock trading functions or displaying clear notices about the closure. Investors can still access account information, research tools and educational resources, but execution of buy or sell orders for U.S.-listed stocks will not occur until Monday.

The Good Friday shutdown coincides with the broader Easter long weekend, during which many businesses, schools and government services adjust operations. While banks generally remain open on Good Friday in most states, some local offices or services may have reduced hours. Retail and dining establishments typically operate normally, though some may see lighter foot traffic due to family gatherings or travel.

This year’s market closure comes against a backdrop of heightened global attention on energy markets and geopolitical risks. Recent weeks have seen significant swings in oil prices and broader equities due to developments in the Middle East, with investors closely monitoring any potential de-escalation that could influence sentiment when trading resumes.

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Analysts note that holiday-shortened weeks often feature thinner liquidity and heightened volatility in the sessions immediately before and after the break. Thursday’s trading saw mixed results as participants positioned ahead of the long weekend, with some sectors showing resilience while others reflected ongoing caution.

For those planning investment activity over the weekend, experts recommend reviewing portfolios, setting limit orders that will activate on Monday, or focusing on longer-term research rather than attempting short-term trades. Cryptocurrency markets, which operate 24/7, remain open throughout the period, providing an alternative for investors seeking continuous access, though they often move independently of traditional equities.

International markets present a mixed picture over the Easter period. Many European exchanges, including those in the UK, Germany and France, are expected to close or operate with reduced hours on Good Friday and possibly Easter Monday. Asian markets, however, generally follow their standard schedules, with Japan and others unaffected by the Western holiday.

Bond trading on Good Friday will wrap up early, at noon ET, limiting activity in fixed-income securities. This partial closure can influence yields and pricing dynamics heading into the weekend.

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Looking ahead, the week of April 6 is expected to bring a return to normalcy with fresh economic indicators. Investors will watch for any updates on inflation, employment data or corporate earnings that could shape the next leg of market movement. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have shown resilience in recent sessions despite external pressures, but analysts caution that the post-holiday period could see renewed focus on macroeconomic themes.

Retail investors, who have increasingly influenced market direction through apps and commission-free platforms, often use holiday downtime to catch up on news, rebalance holdings or simply step back from daily price fluctuations. Financial advisers suggest using the break to assess risk tolerance, review diversification and consider tax implications for any planned moves in the coming months.

The long weekend also highlights the importance of automated strategies such as dividend reinvestment plans or dollar-cost averaging, which continue regardless of market holidays. Robo-advisers and index funds typically process transactions based on the next available trading day.

For businesses tied to financial services, the closure means adjusted staffing and operations. Trading floors remain quiet, while support teams handle client inquiries about account access and holiday policies. Media coverage shifts toward previews of the following week or analysis of year-to-date performance.

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Historically, post-Good Friday trading has shown varied results, with some years delivering gains as investors return refreshed and others reflecting any news that broke over the weekend. In 2026, with ongoing global uncertainties, the tone on Monday could hinge heavily on overnight developments in energy markets or diplomatic efforts.

Traders using margin accounts or options strategies should note that settlement and expiration dates adjust around holidays. The Options Clearing Corporation and other bodies publish specific calendars to guide participants.

As families across the country mark Easter with religious services, egg hunts and meals, Wall Street takes its traditional pause. The four-day break offers a moment of relative calm in an otherwise fast-paced financial year marked by significant swings.

When markets reopen on Monday, April 6, expect a full slate of activity as participants digest any weekend news and reposition for the second quarter. Volume may start lighter than average before building through the week.

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In the meantime, investors are encouraged to use reliable sources for confirmation of market status rather than assuming based on general calendars. Official NYSE and Nasdaq websites provide the most accurate holiday schedules each year.

The U.S. stock market’s observance of Good Friday underscores the blend of tradition and practicality in modern finance. While the global economy never fully sleeps, major equities hubs still honor select cultural and religious observances that shape the annual trading rhythm.

For those wondering “is the stock market open today,” the clear answer on April 3, 2026, is no. Enjoy the long weekend, and be ready for resumed activity when the bells ring again on Monday morning.

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Kelce brothers’ Garage Beer lands deal with golf clothing brand before Masters

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Kelce brothers' Garage Beer lands deal with golf clothing brand before Masters

Malbon Golf has been all about relaxing the gentlemen’s game, and with its latest partnership, it’s staying true to its word.

Travis and Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has been named the company’s beer brand.

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The partnership was announced a week before the Masters, where Garage will be activating all week long, pouring its 95-calorie, full-flavor light beer alongside limited-edition hand-rolled cigars and co-branded pin flags for guests stopping by.

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Jason Kelce

Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer has entered a partnership in the golf industry. (Garage Beer / Fox News)

“At Garage Beer, we’ve always believed you win by doing things the right way. It starts with making a better product and being yourself as a brand. That’s why Malbon made so much sense for us,” Garage Beer Vice President of Marketing Jay McDonald said in a statement to Fox Business.

“Golf’s supposed to be fun, and beer’s always been part of that. It’s a day outside with the crew, cold ones in hand and gear that brings real style to the course. We’re stoked for our official launch in Augusta at Malbon Home and look forward to showcasing what comes next.”

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Jason Day

Jason Day of Australia wears Malbon pants as he walks off the 10th tee during the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club May 9, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Garage Beer is based in Columbus, Ohio, not far from where Malbon golfer Jason Day lives.

Garage Beer and Malbon will continue showing up together at Malbon Home activations, Bucket Cup events and Sip & Shop retail experiences tied to upcoming apparel capsules, with everything centered around community, content and making golf feel more inclusive and fun.

Where culture and fashion intersect with golf, you’ll find Malbon Golf, the brand founded by Stephen and Erica Malbon in 2017 because of their love for the game. 

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It’s a lifestyle brand that has appealed to the likes of famous rappers, skateboarders, athletes in other sports, the everyday golfer and Tour players like Day, who wanted individuality back on the course. 

Jason and Travis Kelce on the field

Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs embrace after a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium Nov. 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Malbon’s mission is “to inspire today’s youth to participate in the greatest game on Earth.” 

Partnering with possibly the two most famous NFL brothers ever figures to help that cause.

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Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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