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Luka Doncic’s 2026 MVP Hopes Likely Over After Hamstring Injury Sidelines Him for Regular Season

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Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passes the ball against Brandon Clarke, 15, and Justise Winslow ,7, of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at American Airlines Center

Luka Doncic’s bid for the 2025-26 NBA Most Valuable Player award appears effectively over after the Los Angeles Lakers star suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain Thursday night, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the regular season and leave him one game short of the league’s 65-game eligibility threshold.

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic passes the ball against Brandon Clarke, 15, and Justise Winslow ,7, of the Memphis Grizzlies in the second half at American Airlines Center
GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / TOM PENNINGTON

Doncic, who had played 64 games entering the contest, exited in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after grabbing his hamstring on a drive. He underwent an MRI on Friday that confirmed the moderate strain, ruling him out for the final five regular-season games, multiple reports confirmed.

The 27-year-old Slovenian superstar had been among the top contenders in the MVP race, leading the league in scoring at approximately 33.5-33.8 points per game while adding 8.3 assists and 7.8 rebounds. His March performance, including historic scoring outbursts, had kept him in the conversation despite earlier injuries and defensive concerns raised by some voters.

The new collective bargaining agreement’s 65-game minimum for individual awards, designed to discourage load management, now looms large. With only days left in the regular season, Doncic cannot reach the threshold. While an exception exists for true season-ending injuries, a Grade 2 hamstring strain — involving partial tearing of muscle fibers — typically requires three to six weeks of recovery, not rendering the season officially over. Betting sites such as BetMGM promptly removed him from MVP odds following the injury.

NBA MVP Ladder rankings released April 3 placed Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs at No. 1, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets, with Doncic at No. 4. The injury effectively eliminates any late surge, shifting the race to a tighter contest among the top three as teams play out their final games.

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This marks the second left hamstring issue for Doncic this season. He missed time earlier with a milder strain, raising questions about re-aggravation in a high-usage player whose game relies on explosive movements, step-back jumpers and constant direction changes. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized caution postgame Thursday, stating the team would prioritize long-term health.

The timing could not be worse for Doncic’s awards case. He had pushed through 64 games to stay eligible, falling agonizingly short after a non-contact injury in a blowout where the Lakers trailed by more than 30 points at times. Some observers questioned why he remained in the game at all, given the score and his earlier discomfort in the first half.

Analysts note the irony of the 65-game rule. Intended to promote availability, it now risks penalizing a dominant performer who logged heavy minutes while battling injuries throughout the year. Without the minimum, Doncic also becomes ineligible for All-NBA teams, which could impact future contract extensions and supermax eligibility under league rules.

For the Lakers, who hold a slim grip on a top Western Conference seed, the loss of their offensive engine forces greater reliance on LeBron James, Austin Reaves and supporting cast in the final stretch and into the playoffs beginning April 18. Recovery timelines suggest Doncic could potentially return for the postseason if rehabilitation progresses smoothly, but rushing back risks chronic issues.

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Sports medicine experts describe Grade 2 strains as serious but not catastrophic. Rehabilitation focuses on rest, physical therapy, progressive strengthening and sport-specific drills. For elite athletes like Doncic, advanced therapies may accelerate healing, yet conservative management remains the priority to avoid re-injury.

The development reshapes the MVP narrative. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, leading a top-seeded Thunder team with elite efficiency, has emerged as the strong favorite in recent betting odds and expert rankings. Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance for the Spurs has drawn widespread acclaim, while Nikola Jokić continues his masterful playmaking for Denver.

Doncic’s statistical dominance — league-leading scoring and strong playmaking — had kept him in the mix despite defensive metrics that some voters criticized as among the league’s weaker. His absence removes one of the most compelling individual stories of the season.

Public reaction on social media and in sports commentary split between sympathy for the injury and debate over the 65-game rule’s fairness. Many fans argued that Doncic’s body of work through 64 games, including leading the Lakers to competitive positioning, deserved recognition regardless of the final tally. Others defended the rule as necessary to ensure awards reflect sustained availability.

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League-wide, the incident highlights ongoing tensions around player health, schedule density and strategic decisions in the final weeks. Similar cases have sparked discussion about potential exceptions or rule tweaks, though no immediate changes are expected.

For Doncic personally, the focus shifts from individual accolades to recovery and a potential deep playoff run. His history shows resilience, and a healthy return could still define the Lakers’ postseason hopes.

As the regular season concludes, the MVP race narrows without one of its brightest stars. Voting will reflect performances through the full schedule, leaving Doncic on the outside looking in despite a season that, statistically and visually, ranked among the league’s most impressive.

Lakers officials and medical staff have not provided a detailed playoff return timeline, emphasizing day-to-day monitoring. In the meantime, the franchise navigates the final games and prepares for the postseason without its leading scorer.

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The 2025-26 campaign has been a tale of resilience for Doncic amid multiple setbacks. While the MVP door likely closes, his impact on the Lakers and the broader NBA remains undeniable. Fans and analysts will watch closely as he begins rehabilitation, hoping for a strong comeback when the playoffs arrive.

Whether the 65-game rule ultimately denies him hardware or serves as motivation for future seasons, Doncic’s 2026 campaign underscored both his elite talent and the physical demands of modern NBA stardom.

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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David focuses on growth & momentum stocks that are reasonably priced and likely to outperform the market over the long-term. He is a long term investor of quality stocks and uses options for strategy. David told investors to buy in March 2009 at the bottom of the financial crisis. The S&P 500 increased 367% and the Nasdaq increased 685% from 2009 through 2019. He wants to help make people money by investing in high-quality growth stocks.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of QS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The article is for informational purposes only (not a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell stocks). David is not a registered investment adviser. Investors should do their own research or consult a financial adviser to determine what investments are appropriate for their individual situation. This article expresses my opinions, and I cannot guarantee that the information/results will be accurate. Investing in stocks involves risk and could result in losses.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

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Tyneside care training provider opens India base

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The facility is the first outside of the UK for Training in Care

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.(Image: Creo Comms)

South Shields firm Training in Care has launched its first centre outside of the UK with a move to target the Indian market.

The provider of industry courses in South Tyneside and Sunderland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving, which has 300 carers in the Kerala region and has provided care to thousands since its launch 2012. Working with Institute, the firm aims to upskill workers from across the country’s care sector.

Training in Care says it aims improve the quality of life for care receivers in India and address problems in the UK’s domestic care sector by sharing knowledge and best practice. The company has also entered into a two-year knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with University of Sunderland to support the move.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care, said: “Opening our first training centre outside of the UK is an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the business. Over the past 27 years, we’ve helped thousands of people gain the skills required to enter or progress their career in the care sector, so we’ve seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

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“For example, while we have made real in-roads in the UK to ensure our carers have the required social care skills to enter the industry, for too long we have overlooked the need for basic healthcare skills, which is something that is seen as essential for anyone working in the industry in India. At the same time, their care sector hasn’t adopted the same quality of care standards which we have.

“This is why initiatives like this are so important, as it will allow peers in both countries to share best practice and knowledge and ensure that the tens of millions of people receiving care in both countries receive the best possible care and support. It fills us with immense pride to be expanding internationally and to be working alongside the fantastic teams at Guardian Angels and University of Sunderland. We can’t wait to get started.”

Announcing the partnership, Dr Usher Titus, chair of Kerala’s Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, an initiative led by the Higher Education Department, said: “On one side, we have an institution rooted deeply in care and clinical excellence – Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving – shaping compassionate, skilled professionals here in India. And on the other hand, we have a globally respected name – Training in Care – with decades of expertise and internationally recognised standards.

“They bring a system that ensures that caregiving is not just practiced, but it is perfected. And I can undoubtedly say that individually, they represent excellence. And together, they are going to represent something far greater – a bridge, a pathway, an opportunity for the aspiring caregivers to step beyond borders, to learn, to grow. It’s not just a collaboration; it’s the beginning of a global pathway for a career in caregiving.”

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Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in cultural management at University of Sunderland, said: “Securing a KTP with Training in Care, worth £200,000, is predicated around the University of Sunderland actively supporting UK organisations and clearly demonstrating that the University has the commercial expertise to tangibly grow businesses.

“Our relationship with Training in Care has been actively nurtured over several years and we are delighted in that this is Training in Care’s first KTP. The two-year project will focus on strategic growth in terms of profit, innovation, and global market expansion. It will also continue to provide a reciprocal gateway to enrich our student commercial insights as they observe Training Cares growth.”

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ServiceNow Stock: Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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ServiceNow Stock: Don't Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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For almost a decade, I held research analyst positions in various investment firms, mostly in Toronto. I started in sell-side research with a Canadian bank, then moved to a hedge fund, followed by a family office and then finished my career in wealth management. I was 20 on my first day on Bay Street. I will forever remember. I had worked so hard to get there, from a small French-speaking town in Québec. Getting my CFA and CAIA designations by 25 was another important milestone. I was a young man with a dream, wanting to make it big. However, life was about to teach me a painful lesson. Before conquering the world, a man must first conquer himself by going into the depths of his own abyss. Only then may he shed his naivety and become a man truly able to love.For the last four years, I have been living in a yurt in the boreal forest, approximately 100 kilometres away from the closest paved road or grocery store. In a forest full of birds, just beside a lake full of fish. For water, I go to the creek. For heat, there is plenty of white birch and quaking aspen around. If I need anything in town, I have plenty of money for my needs. I am now 30, in love, and as free as the birds in the skies, so what else can I ask for? In all humility, and in all gratitude, I say thank you to this grandiose symphony we call life.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOW either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ELD: Current Income And Lower Dollar Beneficiary

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Oil Shock, AI Tailwinds, And Portfolio Shifts Across Emerging Markets

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Jobs created as gaming machine supplier strikes key national deal

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Bob Rudd has joined forces with South East-based counterpart SX Leisure for the contract

Bob Rudd has been operating since 1989.

Charlotte and Nick Rudd, of pubs supplier Bob Rudd.(Image: Bob Rudd)

Gambling machine and pool tables specialist Bob Rudd has created jobs on the back of a major contract to supply pubs across the country.

The Tyneside firm has partnered with Witham firm SX Leisure to feed Inspired Entertainment with equipment and servicing to venues, from Northumberland and Cumbria to the West Midlands. The move has created 40 jobs, and will see the two firms supply 1,000 pubs.

Nick Rudd, managing director the Brunswick Village firm, said: “It’s been a busy few months but we couldn’t be happier with how things have gone. Being selected to support a significant portfolio of pub venues previously supplied by Inspired has given us the opportunity to bring our service-first model to even more venues and the feedback from customers has been fantastic.

“It’s a real testament to the dedication of our entire team — both existing staff and new arrivals.”

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He added: “The move has also strengthened staffing — with new colleagues joining the business — and enhanced our ability to provide responsive, high-quality support nationwide. We’re seeing the benefits of scale without compromising the independent, service-led approach for which the business is known.”

Together the two companies have taken on more than 1,800 machines across 1,000 venues with SX Leisure reporting a 30% uptick in business. Greg Wood, director at SX Leisure, said: “It’s been an exciting challenge for both our existing team and those who’ve joined us during this process.

“The response from both our longstanding clients and new venues has been overwhelmingly positive. Our new colleagues have hit the ground running and I can’t thank the entire team enough for delivering the full SX Leisure experience at scale.”

As well headquarters in Witham, SX also has depots in Yeovil and Washington. Mr Wood added: “Our growth has never been taken for granted and this is just the beginning of the next chapter in SX Leisure’s journey.”

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Inspired continues to supply both companies as well as supplying retail gaming and betting businesses — including licensed betting shops, bingo and slots rooms, motorway services and pubs. Ian Shreeve, vice president and general manager gaming sales UK at Inspired said “This partnership has been everything we hoped for.

“Both the Bob Rudd and SX Leisure teams have delivered on every level — providing efficient operations, dependable service and a customer-first mindset. Inspired remains fully committed to the UK pub market and this collaboration ensures that pubs and customers continue to receive the highest-quality games, terminals, service and support.”

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The 1-Minute Market Report, April 26, 2026 (NYSEARCA:SPY)

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My Dividend Stock Portfolio: New February Dividend Record - 100 Holdings With 12 Buys

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I spent 30 years in the institutional trenches as a trader, analyst, and portfolio manager, eventually running the equity trading desk at Northern Trust in Chicago. Those decades shaped my approach: stay disciplined, trust the data, and keep emotion out of the way. Since 2009, when I began publishing my stock selections, my portfolio has delivered solid long term results—compounding in the mid teens annually through 2025. Today I’m a private investor and investing coach, with a rules based framework that helps people build better portfolios. My work focuses on systematic thinking, behavioral awareness, and evidence over opinion. For my market outlook and model portfolio updates, visit zeninvestor.org. .

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NVDA, AVGO, GOOGL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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