Report: Luka Doncic to miss start of probable Thunder-Lakers playoff series

Looks like James and Reaves will have to carry the Lakers in Round 2 after they inevitably send the Rockets home. ESPN's Shams Charania reported on the 'Get Up!' program that Doncic won't suit up when they get to OKC. Sounds like a mid-series return is the more likely prognosis.

"If the Lakers do advance in this series and play Oklahoma City in the next round, the expectation is Luka Doncic will be out to start that series," Charania said. "There's still no clarity on a timetable. He started to ramp up a little bit more on the court. Still isn't progressing to full scrimmages and workouts yet."

Well, that makes things completely different. The Thunder already had the Lakers' number — even when Doncic was healthy. Their bevy of All-Defense guards had him look pedestrian both times he played against them. But if the MVP candidate is forced to miss time, that gives OKC an extra leg-up in a series they'll enter as the heavy favorite.

Of course, the Thunder are dealing with their own injuries. Williams' status is unknown. He's week-to-week with a hamstring strain. We'll see if he suits up for Game 1. Even though you can pencil in an OKC-Los Angeles playoff series, there are still a lot of unknown variables to figure out before they face off.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Report: Luka Doncic to miss start of probable Thunder-Lakers playoff series