Luka Doncic will not play in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinal between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers are hopeful for his return later in the series.
Key points
Luka Doncic is out for Game 1
Lakers face Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder swept Phoenix in first round
Lakers hope Doncic returns later in the series
Game 1 is crucial for Lakers' playoff run
Los Angeles LakersOklahoma City ThunderLuka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers look to continue their underdog playoff run when they take on defending champion Oklahoma City in Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinal.
The Lakers are still without Luca Doncic for the foreseeable future, and while they are optimistic he can return later in the series, they'll have to start it without him. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, looked as dominant as it was supposed to in a first-round sweep of Phoenix where it won every game by double digits.
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder are a heavy favorite in this game and in this series as the teams fight for a berth in the Western Conference Finals.
What time is the Lakers game today?
The Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. CDT Tuesday, May 5. The game at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City will be nationally televised on NBC.
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Where to watch Lakers vs Thunder?
Game 1 of the Lakers-Thunder series will be televised nationally on NBC at 6:30 p.m. MDT/7:30 p.m. CDT Tuesday, May 5, in Oklahoma City.
Lakers vs Thunder playoff schedule, TV information
Game 1: Lakers at Thunder, Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. CT, NBC
Game 2: Lakers at Thunder, Thursday, May 7, 7:30 p.m. MT/8:30 p.m. CT, Prime Video
Game 3: Thunder at Lakers, Saturday, May 9, 6:30 p.m. MT/7:30 p.m. CT, ABC
Game 4: Thunder at Lakers, Monday, May 11, 8:30 p.m. MT/9:30 p.m. CT, Prime Video
Game 5: Lakers at Thunder, Wednesday, May 13 (if necessary), TBA
Game 6: Thunder at Lakers, Saturday, May 16 (if necessary), TBA
Game 7: Lakers at Thunder, Monday, May 18 (if necessary), TBA
Lakers injury report
Luka Doncic is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and has already been ruled out for Game 1. Officially is status is week-to-week with the Lakers hoping he can return at some point in this series.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series score
This is the first game in the best-of-seven series.
Thunder injury report
Jalen Williams (left hamstring strain) and Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) are out. Williams is week-to-week after getting injured in Game 2 of the first-round series with Phoenix.
Who does Lakers-Thunder winner play next?
The winner of this series will play the winner of the San Antonio Spurs-Minnesota Timberwolves series in the Western Conference Finals.
It writes: "After extensive simulations, our model gives the Lakers a win probability of 11%, while the Thunder have a win probability of 89%."
Vegas Odds: Bet the Thunder to cover vs Lakers in Game 1
It writes: "The Lakers are very limited offensively, with LeBron the only one in solid form right now. Therefore, OKC’s high-tempo, efficient basketball will break LAL and cover the spread, sending a strong message in Game 1."
