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Luka Dončić’s absence from the court will continue as he was officially ruled out Friday for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals between the OKC Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder leads 2-0 as the best-of-seven series shifts to Los Angeles.
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Doncic has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The superstar guard told the media Wednesday that he has started running, but he hasn’t yet been cleared for full contact.
“I’m just doing everything I can,” Doncic said. “Every day, I’m doing things I’m supposed to do. Obviously, I’m recovering, and now I’m working. The doctor said eight weeks at the beginning of the first MRI. So I’m just going day by day, and I feel better every day.”
Doncic received that first MRI on April 3, which was nearly five weeks ago. If the eight-week recovery timeline holds up, he’d miss the entire second-round series against OKC.
“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is,” Doncic said. “All I want to do is play basketball, especially this time (of year). It’s the best time to play basketball. It’s very frustrating. Seeing what my team is doing, I’m very proud of them. But it’s been very tough just to sit and watch them play.”
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The Thunder will again be without an All-Star player as Jalen Williams was ruled out for Game 3 in Los Angeles (7:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC).
REQUIRED READING: Bloody, bruised OKC Thunder ‘love’ physicality while taking 2-0 lead vs Lakers
Thunder vs Lakers schedule for second round of NBA Playoffs
Best-of-seven; Games 5-7 if necessary.
CARLSON: OKC Thunder turns tide in Game 2 vs Lakers not with its MVP but with its depth
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
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This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Luka Doncic injury update before Lakers-Thunder Game 3 of NBA Playoffs
