Business
Which Star’s Absence Hurts Their Team More in 2026 Playoffs?
MINNEAPOLIS — As the NBA playoffs intensify in early May 2026, two Western Conference superstars remain sidelined by significant injuries, forcing their teams to navigate high-stakes series without their primary offensive engines. Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic continues a slow recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, while Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards battles a left knee hyperextension with bone bruise — raising the question of whose absence carries the heavier cost for playoff aspirations.
Doncic, acquired by the Lakers in a blockbuster move, suffered the injury on April 2 in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Slovenian superstar, who led the NBA in scoring much of the season, has missed the entire first-round series against the Houston Rockets. Despite advancing, the Lakers face the top-seeded Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals without their MVP-caliber playmaker.
Recent updates paint a cautious picture. ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst report no contact work yet for Doncic, who has progressed only to controlled on-court movement and spot-up shooting. He remains week-to-week with no firm timeline, likely missing the start of the Thunder series and possibly more. Coach JJ Redick has emphasized a deliberate approach to avoid setbacks on the delicate soft-tissue injury.
“Luka has not begun contact basketball yet,” Windhorst noted. “You’re looking at 3-on-3, then 5-on-5. That has not happened.” Sources indicate a slow build, with some speculation he might not return until deeper into the postseason — if at all this spring.
The impact on the Lakers has been profound yet mitigated by LeBron James’ veteran leadership and supporting casts stepping up. Los Angeles pushed past Houston in six games, but facing a powerhouse Thunder team without Doncic’s 30-plus point, triple-double threat creates an uphill battle. Analysts estimate his absence equates to losing roughly 35-40% of the team’s offensive creation, spacing and clutch scoring.
Edwards’ Timeline Offers More Hope
Edwards’ injury occurred in late April during the Timberwolves’ first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. An MRI revealed a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, compounding ongoing right knee patellar tendinitis issues. He has been ruled out for the start of Minnesota’s second-round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs but listed as questionable for Game 1 after clearance for on-court activities.
Coach Chris Finch described Edwards as “week-to-week,” yet optimism persists for a return as early as Games 3 or 4. Shams Charania reported Edwards is “hopeful” and communicating plans to rejoin if the series extends, with around-the-clock treatment accelerating progress beyond initial multi-week projections.
The 24-year-old All-Star averaged 28.8 points per game in the regular season and remains the Timberwolves’ clear alpha scorer and leader. Minnesota advanced despite his limited availability, but the drop-off without him is stark: reduced athleticism on drives, perimeter creation and defensive versatility.
Measuring the Cost: Production, Team Context and Playoff Stakes
Quantifying “more costly” involves stats, roster depth and series difficulty. Doncic’s per-game averages hover near 30 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in recent seasons, with elite playmaking that elevates teammates. His injury removes a generational facilitator from a Lakers squad already thin on star power beyond James. Without him, Los Angeles relies heavily on role players against OKC’s elite defense and depth.
Edwards, while slightly less efficient as a creator, brings explosive scoring (often 25-35 in big games) and two-way impact that fits Minnesota’s gritty identity alongside Rudy Gobert and others. The Timberwolves boast stronger supporting talent, including veterans like Mike Conley, but losing Edwards’ gravity strains their offense against a young, dynamic Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama.
Playoff metrics underscore the gap. Teams typically see win probabilities drop 15-25% without superstar usage rates above 30%. For the Lakers, projected as underdogs versus OKC, Doncic’s void feels existential — potentially shortening their run dramatically. Minnesota, with home-court advantages possible and a more favorable matchup, has a clearer path to weather the storm until Edwards returns.
Retail analysts and betting markets reflect this: odds for Lakers advancing deep without Doncic lengthen significantly, while Timberwolves series odds improve markedly with Edwards projected back mid-series. Historical parallels — stars missing early playoff rounds — show recovery speed and replacement quality as key variables. Edwards’ shorter expected absence (potentially 1-3 games) versus Doncic’s open-ended timeline tips the scale.
Broader Implications for Franchises
Both injuries highlight playoff fragility. The Lakers, post-Doncic trade, bet heavily on his availability for a title push alongside James. Prolonged absence risks not just this postseason but long-term chemistry and fan expectations in a win-now window. Minnesota’s contention window feels more sustainable, with Edwards’ prime years ahead and roster flexibility.
Fan and social media reactions amplify the drama. Hashtags like #LukaReturn and #AntBack trend, with debates raging on X and forums over load management, rehab protocols and “what if” scenarios. Some argue Doncic’s heavier usage makes his strain more debilitating; others point to Edwards’ youth and explosiveness creating higher re-injury risk upon rushed return.
Medical experts note hamstring strains in basketball often require 4-8 weeks for full strength, while knee bone bruises vary but respond well to rest and modern therapies. Both organizations prioritize long-term health over desperate gambles.
What Lies Ahead
For the Lakers, survival against Oklahoma City without Doncic demands heroic efforts from James, Austin Reaves (also managing an oblique issue) and defensive intensity. A potential Game 3-4 Doncic return remains a long shot but could swing momentum if achieved.
The Timberwolves enter San Antonio hopeful Edwards tests the knee positively. Even limited minutes could tilt a series against the Spurs. Finch’s rotation adjustments — leaning on guards like Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland — have shown promise but lack Edwards’ finishing punch.
Ultimately, Edwards’ injury appears less costly in the immediate term due to a quicker projected return and Minnesota’s supporting cast. Doncic’s extended absence weighs heavier on a Lakers team chasing contention in a brutal Western bracket. Yet both absences underscore basketball’s team nature: no single star guarantees success, but their voids expose roster limits.
As series unfold this week, franchises, coaches and fans monitor every update. In the 2026 playoffs, health remains the ultimate separator — and for now, both Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards are fighting time to prove their irreplaceable value.
PHILADELPHIA — Walmart is stripping self-checkout kiosks from more stores and bringing back cashier lanes, joining a growing retail shift that includes Costco’s push for faster, staff-assisted scanning as theft concerns and customer complaints mount nationwide.
IBTimes US
The world’s largest retailer removed all self-checkout machines from its South Philadelphia Supercenter in late April 2026, converting the space to traditional staffed registers. Company officials cited feedback from customers and associates, aiming to deliver a more personalized shopping experience as part of broader remodeling plans for more than 650 stores this year.
“These changes are guided by feedback from associates and customers, local shopping patterns, and the needs of the business in each community,” a Walmart spokesperson told local media. The goal is to “improve the checkout experience and enable associates to provide more personalized customer service.”
The move echoes earlier removals in Shrewsbury, Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; parts of New Mexico and other high-theft locations. In Shrewsbury, police reported a sharp drop in calls after self-checkouts disappeared — from hundreds in prior periods to far fewer — with arrests nearly halving.
Industry analysts and law enforcement point to retail theft, often dubbed “shrink,” as a primary driver. A December 2025 LendingTree survey of more than 2,000 consumers found 27% of self-checkout users admitted to intentionally skipping scans, up 12 percentage points from 2023. Another 36% said they accidentally left with unscanned items, and most kept them. Overall, 69% agreed the machines make theft easier.
Higher-income shoppers were more likely to admit deliberate non-scanning, with 40% of those earning six figures or more confessing, according to the survey. Many expressed little remorse.
Walmart, which loses billions annually to theft across its stores, has reviewed self-checkout use in high-shrink locations. Similar trends hit Target, Dollar General and others, with some chains removing or limiting kiosks entirely.
Costco Takes a Different Path
Costco, known for its warehouse model and membership requirements, is not fully eliminating self-checkout but is transforming the experience with technology and staff oversight. The company is rolling out pre-scan systems where employees scan cart items while shoppers wait in line. By the time customers reach the register, items are pre-loaded; they simply scan their membership card and pay.
Automated pay stations in pilot stores complete transactions in about eight seconds on average, dramatically speeding up lines. CEO comments during earnings calls highlighted strong member feedback and improved traffic flow.
“Early results show this is improving the flow of traffic, and we’ve received great member feedback,” a Costco executive said.
At remaining self-checkout areas, Costco now often requires photo ID matching membership cards, adding a layer of accountability. The retailer is also testing scan-and-go apps and other efficiencies without the full cashier reversion seen at Walmart.
Regulatory Pressure Mounts
New state laws are accelerating changes. Bills in California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island and others propose staffing requirements — such as one employee per set number of kiosks — or item limits at self-checkouts, often capping them at 10-15 items. New York City has considered similar restrictions.
Proponents argue the rules promote fairness for workers and curb theft. Critics, including some retailers, worry about labor costs and slower service. In response, many chains are proactively adjusting rather than waiting for mandates.
Shopper Reactions Mixed
Customer responses vary widely. Some celebrate the return of human cashiers, citing frustration with error-prone machines, long error-resolution waits, and the “do-it-yourself” burden after a full shopping trip.
“I hate self-checkout. I always have issues with the scanner or weights, and then I wait forever for help anyway,” said one Philadelphia-area shopper who welcomed the change. “Bring back the cashiers.”
Others lament lost convenience, especially for quick trips with few items. “It used to be fast for small baskets. Now lines are longer again,” complained a frequent Walmart visitor on social media.
Social platforms buzz with debates. Viral posts show before-and-after photos of stripped checkout areas, with hashtags like #SelfCheckoutFail and #BringBackCashiers trending in retail communities. Some users admit occasional “honest mistakes” at kiosks, while others decry what they see as eroded trust in shoppers.
Retail experts note self-checkout’s initial promise — faster service, lower labor costs — collided with reality. Technical glitches, theft vulnerabilities and unintended labor shifts (associates still needed for oversight and bagging help) diminished benefits. Adoption soared to over 80% at many chains, but so did losses.
Broader Retail Trends
Sam’s Club, Walmart’s membership sibling, went further last year by replacing traditional self-checkout with AI-powered scan-and-go entirely in tested formats. Other grocers experiment with hybrid models blending mobile apps, computer vision and limited kiosks.
Dollar General removed self-checkout from thousands of stores in 2024, citing similar theft and operational issues. Target has limited item counts or added more staffed oversight in select locations.
The changes come as inflation-weary consumers demand value and efficiency. Retailers balance technology investment with human touchpoints. Walmart’s 2026 remodels will emphasize improved layouts, potentially including more “hosted checkout” zones where associates guide customers.
What’s Next for Shoppers
For now, experiences differ by location and chain. Walmart shoppers in affected stores must use cashier lanes, which some say feel nostalgic but risk longer peak-hour waits. Costco members enjoy quicker overall throughput thanks to pre-scans but face stricter verification.
Industry watchers expect more experimentation. AI cameras, better mobile apps and data-driven lane management could blend convenience with control. Yet the pendulum has swung back toward human interaction in 2026, at least partially.
“Self-checkout wasn’t the full solution many hoped,” one retail consultant noted. “Retailers are learning that technology works best when it supports, not replaces, the shopping experience entirely.”
As summer shopping ramps up, customers at Walmart and Costco will navigate evolving checkouts. Whether the shifts reduce theft, boost satisfaction and maintain speed remains to be seen — but the era of unchecked self-service appears to be cooling.
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Frozen pizzas sold at Walmart and Aldi are being recalled due to concerns that they may be contaminated with salmonella, as well as other items.
On April 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Services issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated ingredients that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Customers who have purchased the recalled products are urged not to consume them, even if they are cooked thoroughly, over concerns about the food-borne bacterium.
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Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza and Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds are among several items being recalled amid concerns of salmonella contaminations. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration / Fox News)
“The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority,”a Walmart spokesperson told FOX Business. “We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate.”
The products contain dry milk powder that had been recalled and was used to make frozen pizzas and pork rinds, the FDA said. No confirmed cases of illness or adverse reactions have been reported due to the consumption of the recalled products, the agency said.
Walmart products recalled
Workers stock shelves in a grocery aisle at a Walmart store on Black Friday in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 28, 2025. (Brian Kaiser/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza, 17.55 oz.
- Lot codes: WC103203, WC103803
- Best if used by: 10/9/2026, 11/7/2026
- EST number: M1487
Great Value Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza, 23.1 oz.
- Lot codes: WC104173, WC104065, WC103793
- Best if used by: 10/25/2026, 10/26/2026, 11/8/2026
- EST number: M1487
Great Value Stuffed Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch, 23.1 oz.
- Lot code: WJ100977
- Best if used by: 12/9/2026
- EST number: M1928
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Aldi products recalled
An Aldi supermarket in Alhambra, California, US, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. The Bureau of Economic Analysis is scheduled to release personal consumption figures on June 28. (Eric Thayer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Mama Cozzi’s Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Pizza, 18.5 oz.
- Best if used by: 10/15/2026, 10/21/2026, 10/22/2026, 10/23/2026, 10/24/2026
- EST number: EST5699
Mama Cozzi’s Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Breakfast Pizza, 17.15 oz.
- Best if used by: 10/15/2026, 10/21/2026, 10/22/2026, 10/23/2026, 10/24/2026
- EST number: EST5699
Other products recalled
Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds, 1.75-oz. bag
- Best if used by: 6/30/2026, 7/14/2026, 7/20/2026, 7/26/2-26. 8/4/2026, 8/5/2026, 8/12/2026
- EST number: EST1321
Pork King Party Size Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds, 7-oz. bag
- Best if used by: 7/7/2026, 7/23/2026, 8/10/2026
CHOCOLATE SOLD NATIONWIDE RECALLED OVER UNDECLARED ALLERGEN POSING POTENTIAL ‘LIFE-THREATENING’ RISK
Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch, 16.4 oz.
- Lot code: WC103309
- Best if used by: 10/18/2026
- EST number: M1487
- Customers who purchased the products are urged not to consume them, and instead, either throw them away or return them where they were purchased, the FDA said. Retailers are urged to remove said products from store shelves.
Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of food-borne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the United States every year.
FOX Business has reached out to Aldi, Pork King and Culinary Circle.
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