LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain but is progressing in his recovery, with Lakers insiders projecting a potential return in Game 1 or Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals if the team advances past the Houston Rockets, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The Slovenian superstar has been out since suffering the injury on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has not played in the Lakers’ first-round playoff series, which stands at 3-0 in Los Angeles’ favor entering Game 4 on Sunday. Coach JJ Redick and team officials continue to describe Doncic’s status as “out indefinitely,” emphasizing caution with the partial muscle tear.

Medical experts note that Grade 2 hamstring strains typically require four to six weeks of recovery, sometimes longer for athletes with prior hamstring issues. At roughly 25 days since the injury as of April 27, Doncic has begun light on-court work and is ramping up his return-to-play progression, but no firm timeline has been set.

Injury Details and Recovery Progress

Doncic initially felt discomfort late in the first half against Oklahoma City and was removed after grabbing his leg. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 strain, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and the early playoffs. He traveled to Europe for specialized regenerative treatments before returning to Los Angeles to continue rehab.

Recent updates show encouraging signs. Redick revealed Doncic is preparing to increase on-court activity soon, though the team is managing expectations. Lakers insider Jovan Buha and others suggest the goal is to have him ready for the second round against a likely opponent like Oklahoma City, giving him additional rest while the supporting cast closes out Houston.

Austin Reaves, dealing with his own oblique strain, is further along and listed as questionable for recent games, providing a clearer path for his return. Doncic’s situation requires more patience due to the hamstring’s vulnerability to re-injury.

Impact on Lakers’ Playoff Run

The Lakers have shown impressive depth without their star acquisition. LeBron James continues to lead the way with vintage performances, while role players have stepped up in a balanced attack. A 3-0 series lead against Houston demonstrates resilience, but coaches acknowledge the ceiling rises significantly with Doncic available.

A return in early May would align with a potential Game 1 or 2 of the next round. This timeline allows for proper healing while minimizing risk of setback. Rushing back too soon could sideline him longer, a lesson learned from past hamstring cases across the league.

Expert Opinions and Medical Outlook

Physical therapists and analysts caution against aggressive timelines for Grade 2 strains. The injury involves partial tearing of muscle fibers, requiring careful loading to avoid aggravation. Doncic’s history with lower-body issues adds extra precaution. Reports indicate he has looked strong in recent light sessions, but full basketball activity remains the next major step.

League insiders emphasize that the Lakers’ conservative approach prioritizes long-term health over short-term gains, especially with a potential deep playoff run ahead. If Los Angeles advances quickly, Doncic could gain valuable extra recovery time.

Fan and League Reaction

Supporters have mixed feelings — excitement over the team’s strong start without Doncic tempered by eagerness for his return. Social media buzzes with debates over optimal timing, with many urging patience to ensure he’s fully healthy for tougher matchups.

League-wide, the case highlights ongoing discussions about star availability in the playoffs and load management. Doncic’s acquisition represented a major shift for the Lakers’ championship aspirations, making his recovery a focal point of the postseason narrative.

What’s Next for Doncic and the Lakers

As the first-round series progresses, updates will come through official injury reports and coach comments. Game 4 offers another chance for the supporting cast to shine, potentially setting up a favorable second-round scenario. Doncic continues individualized work, with re-evaluations guiding the next phase of his progression.

The 27-year-old, acquired in a blockbuster move, averaged elite numbers before the injury. His playmaking, scoring and vision elevate the offense, making his return a game-changer regardless of when it occurs. For now, the focus remains on smart rehab and team momentum.

Doncic’s exact return date stays fluid, but the consensus points toward early May if the Lakers advance. Fans and analysts will monitor every update closely as the postseason unfolds. The organization’s measured approach suggests confidence in a strong comeback rather than a rushed one, positioning the Lakers for sustained success with their star back on the court.

LOS ANGELES — Meghan Markle has sparked intense speculation and renewed royal watchers’ interest after reposting a pair of astrology memes on her Instagram Stories on April 25, 2026, hinting that the “hardest seven years” of her life may finally be coming to a close as the planet Uranus exits Taurus.

The Duchess of Sussex, a Leo, shared content from astrology accounts that directly referenced the astrological transit and its impact on fixed signs including Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. One post featured two men dancing joyfully with the caption: “Taurus, Leo, Scorpio & Aquarius ending the hardest seven years of their lives on April 25.” Another horoscope post spoke to themes of exhaustion, questioned self-worth and the relief of emerging pressure.

Many fans and commentators immediately interpreted the posts as a subtle but pointed reference to the intense media scrutiny, public backlash and family tensions that began shortly after her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry and escalated dramatically with the couple’s 2020 decision to step back from royal duties.

Astrological Context and Timing

Astrologers note that Uranus, the planet associated with sudden change, disruption and liberation, spent approximately seven years in Taurus from 2018 to 2025 before shifting into Gemini. This long transit is said to bring upheaval to areas ruled by Taurus, including stability, values and public image — themes many observers link to Markle’s experience in the royal spotlight.

The timing aligns closely with major milestones in Markle’s public life: her wedding in May 2018, the birth of her children, the Netflix series, the Spotify podcast deal, the Oprah interview, the release of “Spare” and ongoing legal battles. For a Leo like Markle, the transit is believed to have challenged identity, creativity and recognition.

Public Reaction and Interpretation

The reposts quickly went viral, with royal gossip accounts, astrology enthusiasts and mainstream media dissecting every word. Supporters celebrated what they saw as a message of hope and renewal for the Duchess. Critics accused her of vague posting or using astrology to indirectly address ongoing controversies.

Some observers connected the post to recent media appearances and business ventures, suggesting Markle feels a shift toward calmer waters after years of intense coverage. Others noted the irony of a celebrity known for privacy concerns using social media to share such personal reflections.

Seven Years of Headlines

Since marrying into the British royal family, Markle has been one of the most discussed figures in global media. The period has included landmark moments — the couple’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, their relocation to California, the launch of Archewell, Netflix projects and children’s books — alongside persistent tabloid scrutiny, lawsuits and public debates about race, privacy and family dynamics.

The “seven-year” reference resonates because it roughly spans from her engagement announcement through the present. Many royal commentators view the Uranus transit narrative as a metaphorical farewell to that turbulent chapter.

Markle’s Current Focus

Markle has maintained a relatively lower public profile in recent months while focusing on family, brand initiatives and selective projects. She and Prince Harry continue raising their two children in Montecito, California, and have expanded their philanthropic and media endeavors.

The Instagram Stories posts mark one of her more personal shares in some time, as she typically uses the platform for lifestyle, wellness or brand-related content. The move has reignited conversations about her relationship with the press and public perception.

Astrology’s Role in Celebrity Culture

Celebrities frequently turn to astrology for guidance or subtle messaging, and Markle’s posts fit into a broader trend. In 2026, interest in astrological transits remains high, with many public figures sharing similar content during major planetary shifts. Uranus in Gemini is expected to bring innovation, communication breakthroughs and adaptability — qualities supporters hope will define Markle’s next phase.

Royal experts remain divided on whether the posts signal genuine optimism or continue a pattern of cryptic communication. Some see it as empowering self-reflection; others view it as calculated engagement with her audience.

What Lies Ahead

As Uranus settles into Gemini, astrologers predict faster-paced change, new ideas and greater flexibility for affected signs. For Markle, this could translate to smoother professional projects, reduced media intensity or renewed focus on personal goals.

Whether the posts truly herald the end of a difficult era or simply reflect an interest in cosmic timing, they have once again placed Markle at the center of public conversation. Fans and critics alike will watch closely for signs of this new chapter unfolding in her work, family life and public presence.

The viral reaction underscores the enduring fascination with the Duchess of Sussex. Seven years after stepping onto the global stage as a royal bride, Meghan Markle’s latest social media activity suggests she believes the stars — and perhaps her own path — are finally aligning for something brighter.

Edited excerpts from a chat:

The sharp sell-off in the previous 3 sessions clearly upset the bulls who believed that the market may have made peace with war. How have your calculations changed in the last 3 days?
Having come close to March’s peak a few days earlier, the uptrend had almost run its course, but we had hopes of extension in the uptrend through most part of last week. However, Friday’s downside gapped opening dismantled the bullish structure, opening room for 23500. That said, having retraced 68% of the upmove from 13 April to the month’s peak, a mean reversion upswing is likely, which could renew the prospects of upswing aiming 25000-25600. However, given the many resistances appearing shortly ahead, we would require a confirmation from a break past 24140. Else the downsides could persist.

IT index is suddenly the worst performer again with 10% weekly loss amid weaker than expected guidance given by software exporters. Will the bear play get stronger?
The Nifty IT index has seen a sharp sell-off, emerging as the worst performer this week, but the current setup also hints at the possibility of a short-term bounce. Technically, the index has broken the daily Supertrend and witnessed a bearish MACD crossover, with the average RSI of constituents hovering near 40, reflecting weak but not oversold conditions. The weekly bearish Marubozu points to strong selling pressure; however, prices are trading close to last month’s support of 28,288. Derivative data adds an interesting layer with around 67% of near OTM call option strikes saw short addition, while nearly 80% of stock futures witnessed long unwinding on Friday and on a weekly basis, leaving room for either fresh shorts or pull-back. Additionally, with about 44% of stock options showing PCR OI below 0.5, the probability of a near-term pullback or relief bounce has increased, even as the broader bias remains cautious. However, a clear break below 28288 could open the door toward the next major support around 26,300, keeping the broader bias negative.

HCL Tech was among the worst losers last week. What should traders do this week?

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HCL Technologies reflects acute sectoral weakness and stock-specific pressure. The trend remains decisively weak, with prices trading well below key averages and momentum indicators firmly bearish. The daily RSI has slipped below 25, indicating deeply oversold conditions, which raises the probability of a short-term technical pullback or relief bounce. Such a move could extend toward the 1,280-1,300 zone, which now acts as an immediate resistance area. However, this bounce, if it materialises, is likely to be corrective rather than trend changing. The broader structure continues to show lower tops and lower bottoms, and momentum remains negative. Traders should therefore adopt a cautious approach, using any pullback toward resistance to lighten long exposure or look for sell-on-rise opportunities, while keeping the overall bias negative in the week ahead.
RIL shares would be in focus on Monday morning. Given that the stock is down around this year, what are the charts indicating for the week ahead?
Two successive days of close below the 10 day SMA, projects weakness ahead. That said, recovery seen on Friday’s last hour encourages us to nurture upswing hopes, but we would require 1345-50 region to be convincingly broken to negate the overall negative view.Pharma stocks suddenly become a strong defensive play. How do you see the momentum in stocks like Piramal Pharma and DRL going forward?
Yes, but that theme too has its limits. Both these stocks’ oscillators suggest overbought conditions. With both of them stalling near February’s peaks, it would be prudent to wait for pull backs to re enter.

Share your top trading ideas for the week ahead.

EPL (CMP: 226)
View: Buy
Target: 338
SL: 219

EPL has shown early signs of stabilization after the recent upmove, forming an inside-bar doji on the daily chart, which reflects temporary indecision after a slippage. Momentum remains constructive, with the RSI holding firm around 55, indicating underlying strength and no immediate loss of momentum. Importantly, the stock is trading above the monthly declining trendline, suggesting a potential shift from a corrective to a consolidation phase. As long as EPL holds above the 220, the bias remains positive with scope for a continuation move on a decisive breakout above the inside-bar range. However, traders should watch for confirmation through volume expansion. A breakdown below recent support would negate the setup, but for now, the technical structure favours a cautious positive outlook in the near term.

ONESOURCE (CMP: 1824)
View: Buy
Target: 2030
SL: 1680

ONESOURCE is showing a clear improvement in its technical structure, pointing to a positive outlook ahead. The stock has decisively broken above its long-term declining trendline, signalling a potential shift in the broader trend. On the weekly timeframe, EPL has also moved above the Supertrend level of 1690, indicating a transition from bearish to bullish territory. Adding to the strength, the stock has surpassed its 200 DMA at 1678 this week. Momentum indicators are supportive, reinforcing the bullish bias. As long as EPL sustains above these breakout levels, the setup favours continuation on the upside, with any short-term consolidation likely to be healthy.

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Victor Wembanyama delivered a resounding statement Sunday, exploding for 27 points, 11 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 steals in his return from a concussion as the San Antonio Spurs cruised to a 114-93 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 4, seizing a commanding 3-1 series lead and quieting concerns about the young superstar’s availability.

The 22-year-old Defensive Player of the Year, who had missed Game 3 while navigating the NBA’s concussion protocol after a frightening face-first fall in Game 2, looked sharp and unrestricted from the opening tip. Starting and logging 34 minutes, Wembanyama showed no lingering effects as he anchored the Spurs’ defense and provided timely scoring in a dominant second-half surge.

Coach Mitch Johnson confirmed pregame that Wembanyama had fully cleared league protocol after days of monitored activity. “He looked like himself in warmups and throughout the game,” Johnson said. “We’re thrilled with where he’s at physically and mentally.” The performance marked one of the most impressive playoff debuts from injury in recent memory, with Wembanyama becoming the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1993 to post at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 7 blocks and 4 steals in a postseason game.

The Road Back from Injury

Wembanyama suffered the concussion in Game 2 on April 21 when he was fouled and crashed awkwardly to the court, landing face-first. He played only 12 minutes that night before exiting. The Spurs won Game 3 without him, 120-108, showcasing impressive depth with Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox stepping up.

Medical staff and league officials monitored his progress closely. Wembanyama traveled with the team, participated in light workouts and film sessions, and gradually increased activity without symptom setbacks. His clearance came roughly five days after the injury, aligning with typical NBA concussion timelines but on the quicker side for a high-profile case.

In postgame comments, Wembanyama expressed satisfaction with his recovery while maintaining focus on the series. “I’m happy to be back and contributing,” he said. “The team showed great resilience without me. Now we finish the job.” He noted the fall felt “weird” initially but emphasized full clearance and no hesitation on the court.

Dominant Return Sets Tone

From the start, Wembanyama imposed his will. He swatted shots at the rim, altered drives and stretched the floor with his shooting range. Offensively, he attacked mismatches and finished with efficiency. His seven blocks tied a career playoff high, reinforcing his status as the league’s premier rim protector.

De’Aaron Fox complemented him perfectly with 28 points and 7 assists. The Spurs erased an early double-digit deficit, outscoring Portland decisively in the second half. The victory puts San Antonio one win from advancing, with Game 5 back home Tuesday.

Blazers coach Chauncey Billups acknowledged the challenge. “When he’s out there, it changes everything. He’s a special player.” Portland fought hard early but couldn’t contain the Spurs’ length and pace once Wembanyama found rhythm.

Implications for Spurs’ Playoff Run

Wembanyama’s seamless return boosts San Antonio’s championship aspirations. As a unanimous Defensive Player of the Year and MVP finalist, his presence transforms the team’s ceiling. The Spurs built depth precisely for moments like this, but having their franchise cornerstone back healthy shifts momentum dramatically.

Medical experts note that passing protocol and performing at an elite level suggests no major long-term concerns, though monitoring remains essential. Wembanyama’s youth and conditioning likely aided his quick recovery. He has spoken previously about prioritizing long-term health over short-term risks.

Broader Context and Reactions

The performance drew praise across the league. Fans and analysts celebrated the return of the 7-foot-4 phenom, whose unique skill set continues redefining the center position. Social media highlighted defensive highlights and his calm postgame demeanor.

Wembanyama’s journey — from No. 1 overall pick in 2023 to playoff force — underscores rapid growth. Early injuries tested his resilience, but responses like Sunday’s affirm his trajectory toward superstardom.

For the Trail Blazers, the loss stings but highlights areas for growth. Scoot Henderson and others showed promise, yet containing Wembanyama remains a tall task for any opponent.

What’s Next

With the series at 3-1, the Spurs hold clear momentum heading home. Wembanyama’s availability for Game 5 appears strong barring any new issues. A series-clinching win would send them to the Western Conference semifinals, where tougher tests await.

League-wide, the case reinforces concussion protocol’s importance while showcasing successful management. Players, coaches and officials continue balancing safety with competitive demands in a physical postseason.

Sunday’s game reaffirmed Wembanyama’s value. His dominant return not only lifted the Spurs but reassured fans and the organization that their cornerstone is healthy and ready for the grind ahead. As the series shifts back to San Antonio, the focus turns to closing out Portland and building on this momentum.

For a player still early in his career, Wembanyama’s composure and production in Game 4 signal readiness for bigger stages. The alien has landed back on Earth — and he’s dominating once again.

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