NBA Player News

Durant is questionable for Game 3 on Friday against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.

The superstar forward presumably picked up the issue during Tuesday's Game 2 loss in Los Angeles, when he returned from a one-game absence with a bruised right knee. The Rockets are likely to check back in with Durant closer to Friday's tipoff. Head coach Ime Udoka already vowed Thursday to give Reed Sheppard more playing time in Game 3, so the guard appears primed for significant minutes whether Durant is available to play or not.

Embiid (abdomen) is doubtful for Game 3 against the Celtics on Friday, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

This is yet another small victory for Embiid, who was ruled out well ahead of both Game 1 and Game 2. While he's unlikely to step onto the court for Game 3, the big man has recently been given clearance to practice in a limited fashion, indicating that he's currently ramping up his basketball activities. Adem Bona has started the first two games of the series and figures to do so again Friday night.

Williams is considered week-to-week with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

The star forward exited Wednesday's Game 2 win over the Suns in the third quarter due to an apparent left hamstring injury, and an MRI has diagnosed him with a strain. The timeline for a return likely rules Williams out for Oklahoma City's next three postseason games in this first-round series, though the Thunder could buy him more time to recover if they're able to sweep the Suns. Meanwhile, Isaiah Joe, Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell will all be asked to step up in Williams' stead.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday on NBA Today that Williams is undergoing an MRI on his hamstring.

Williams departed Wednesday's Game 2 win over the Suns in the third quarter due to an apparent left hamstring injury, and the Thunder are awaiting the severity of the issue. The star forward has been plagued by multiple hamstring problems in 2025-26, resulting in multiple extended absences, so Oklahoma City will be hoping Williams is only dealing with soreness as opposed to another strain.

LaRavia is day-to-day with a minor right ankle sprain, per Dan Woike of The Athletic.

LaRavia left Tuesday's Game 2 win over the Rockets in the fourth quarter with an apparent right leg injury and has since been diagnosed with a sprain. The fourth-year forward's status still appears to be in serious jeopardy for Game 3 on Friday, and his chances of playing should be revealed once the Lakers release an official injury report.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Thursday that Sheppard will see more playing time in Game 3 on Friday against the Lakers, per Lachard Binkley of SI.com.

Sheppard logged just 11 minutes, his lowest total of 2025-26 including the regular season, during Houston's Game 2 loss in Los Angeles, but that's expected to change Friday. Udoka didn't specify if Sheppard would start, but the likes of Josh Okogie, Jae'Sean Tate and Aaron Holiday all appear to be in danger of losing out on minutes in Game 3.

Gordon (calf) is questionable for Game 3 on Thursday against Minnesota.

The Nuggets originally deemed Gordon probable due to left calf tightness, so it's unclear he suffered a setback during morning shootaround Thursday. If the veteran forward is ultimately downgraded to out, Bruce Brown could find himself being more involved in Game 3.

Embiid (abdomen) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

This is a small step in the right direction for Embiid, who was recently cleared to begin his strength and conditioning program. His status for Game 3 against Boston on Friday has yet to be determined, though it would be a surprise if he was cleared.

Barnes (shoulder) will be available for Friday's Game 3 against Portland, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Barnes exited Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter and did not return due to an apparent left wrist injury, but coach Mitch Johnson clarified that it's Barnes' shoulder that is the issue. The forward practiced Thursday, however, and he intends to play through the issue.

Wembanyama (concussion) will travel with the Spurs ahead of Friday's Game 3 in Portland, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion Tuesday, and his status for Game 3 remains in the air. He was spotted at practice Thursday, but he was off to the side getting some light shots up on his own. More clarity will likely be known Thursday evening.