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NBA news: Luka Doncic not expected back in first round as Austin Reaves ramps up recovery

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In early April, with just five games remaining in the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that star guard Luka Doncic would be sidelined at least until the NBA playoffs.

Doncic’s setback was a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, an MRI confirmed. The reigning NBA scoring champion sustained the injury during an April 2 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers also entered the playoffs without another key member of their backcourt, Austin Reaves.

The shorthanded Lakers upset the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their first-round Western Conference series Saturday. Ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday, the Lakers reportedly received a clearer update on the health of at least one of their injured stars.

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Austin Reaves dribbling basketball during NBA game in Los Angeles

Lakers guard Austin Reaves brings the ball up court against the Washington Wizards in Los Angeles on March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

Reaves, who was diagnosed with an oblique strain, appears to be progressing toward a return later in the first-round series if it extends to six or seven games. If the Lakers advance sooner, he could be on track to return for the Western Conference semifinals.

According to ESPN, Reaves recently returned to the practice court for 1-on-1 drills. The 27-year-old will still need to progress to 2-on-3 and then 5-on-5 work before he can be cleared for playoff action, but he appears significantly further along than Doncic, who remains out indefinitely.

Luka Doncic dribbling basketball during game at Kia Center

Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on March 21, 2026. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

Doncic is unlikely to play in the first round, regardless of the series length. ESPN footage showed him on the practice court on Tuesday, though the six-time All-Star was not doing high-intensity work.

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2025-26 NBA PLAYOFF ODDS: SPREADS, LINES FOR FIRST-ROUND SERIES

The Rockets, despite being widely favored in the opening round playoffs series, also contended with key injuries. Kevin Durant missed Game 1 with a knee contusion. He was cleared to play in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

A Houston Rockets player attempts an layup

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots the ball against the Lakers during Game 1 in the NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, on April 18, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

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LeBron James scored 19 points, while Luke Kennard led Los Angeles with 27 in Saturday’s win.

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Liam Rosenior: Chelsea sack head coach after three months in charge

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Chelsea have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior after less than four months in charge and on the back of losing five consecutive Premier League matches without scoring for the first time since 1912.

Rosenior arrived at Stamford Bridge in January, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal, but has won just 11 of his 23 games across all competitions.

After Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton, Rosenior said the performance was “indefensible” and “unacceptable” as he faced angry chants from the travelling supporters.

They subsequently slipped to seventh in the Premier League standings in a further blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

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“Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season,” Chelsea said.

“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.”

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Jack’s Daily: Bolts & Bruins Respond; Mammoth First Playoff Win; Canucks GM News

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Day four of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs certainly did not disappoint, with all four games coming down to the wire, and two requiring overtime. In the end, three teams found a way to even up their respective first-round series at 1-1 with clutch Game 2 victories, while the Presidents’ Trophy winners grabbed a 2-0 stranglehold.

In Blackhawks news, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonnette fired a shot at the Original Six franchise on social media following a monstrous performance from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brandon Hagel.

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Around the league, the Canucks have been linked to a former NHL general manager for their vacant position, Sunny Mehta’s poker face in New Jersey, and a reflection on Michael Misa’s rookie season in San Jose.

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All that & more in the Daily!

Chicago Blackhawks Recap, News & Rumors

Chicago Hockey Now: While the Blackhawks might not have finished where they wanted in the standings once again this season, there was plenty of positivity shared about the future during the team’s exit interviews on Thursday. Head coach Jeff Blashill and GM Kyle Davidson were both excited by the growth shown from the young core and the camaraderie established in the locker room.

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More CHN: Players like Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and more reflected on the ups and downs from the season during their respective exit interviews, while also touching on some of their offseason plans for the summer. Here are all the notable takeaways from the Blackhawks’ final media session until next fall.

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While watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs from his hotel room, TNT studio analyst Paul Bissonette fired two chirps at the Blackhawks via Twitter/X on Tuesday. Brandon Hagel, who the Blackhawks traded to Tampa Bay back in March 2022, recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick in Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens, and “Biz” let the Blackhawks hear about it.

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Capitals’ Rasmus Sandin undergoes ACL surgery

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The Capitals announced Wednesday that Rasmus Sandin had a surgical procedure to address an ACL tear in his right knee.

Sandin, 26, sustained the injury on April 11 in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals’ third last of the season.

The Swede posted five goals and 24 assists in 73 games in 2025-26.

According to the team, Sandin’s return-to-play timeline will depend on his progress, but the typical recovery time for the surgery is six to nine months.

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Drafted 29th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018, Sandin has 145
points (25 goals and 120 assists) over 382 career NHL games with the Leafs and Capitals.

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How to watch Burnley vs Man City – TV channel, live stream and kick off time

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How to watch Burnley vs Man City – TV channel, live stream and kick off time – Manchester Evening News