Currently, the Celtics hold a 3-2 series advantage over the 76ers, placing them just one win away from a second-round date with New York. The Knicks will use this time to rest and prepare for whichever powerhouse emerges, that series could be played in Boston or New York.

Advancing to the final stage of the East is a major goal for this roster, especially after the heartbreak of the 2024-25 season. That year, the Knicks’ deep playoff run was cut short in the conference finals by the Indiana Pacers, who defeated them in six games with a final series score of 4-2.

Knicks’ conference semifinal history and championship drought

Over the last 10 seasons, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals three times prior to this year, appearing in 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. While they successfully advanced past this round in 2025 to reach the conference finals, they suffered a second-round exit in 2024 at the hands of the Pacers in a seven-game series.

The franchise has navigated several rebuilding periods over the past decade, only finding consistent playoff success in recent years. Despite this recent resurgence against the Hawks, the ultimate prize has eluded the city for over half a century, as fans in the Bronx and across the city remain hungry for a return to the league’s mountaintop.

The New York Knicks last won an NBA championship in 1973, which marked the second of two titles in franchise history. With more than 50 years passing since they last hoisted the trophy, this current 2026 squad is determined to break that long-standing drought and bring a title back to Madison Square Garden.

“The Rockets recently upgraded Kevin Durant from OUT to DOUBTFUL for Game 6 against the Lakers,” as reported by NBA insider Brett Siegel. Though an upgrade to his status, the odds aren’t really in KD’s favor for him to make his return.

Most likely, he will indeed miss the action. However, the Rockets are leaving the door—though only minimally—open for a miraculous comeback. In any event, it also puts the Lakers on notice. Durant may be out for Game 6, but Game 7 may be different. However, Houston must first tie the series at three games apiece.

Difference in statuses

The difference in the Rockets’ update on Durant’s injury lies in the probabilities he has of playing. Had he been ruled “OUT,” that would mean he isn’t playing. Being listed as “DOUBTFUL” means there’s less than a 25% chance he laces up his shoes to take on the Lakers.

A “QUESTIONABLE” tag implies there’s a 50% or less chance, whereas “PROBABLE” indicates there’s a 75% or greater probability. Needless to say, the odds aren’t in Durant’s favor to be active during Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs’ First Round at Toyota Center.

What happened to Durant?

According to Shams Charania, Durant has been dealing with a left-ankle strain throughout the first-round series against the Lakers. As of late, a bone bruise only made matters worse, greatly decreasing his chances of playing in Game 6.

Durant may try to fight his way through the setback, but it might do him more harm than good. Perhaps, it’s best for him to leave the season in the hands of his teammates. However, that’s much easier said than done, especially considering Durant really hasn’t had any luck in the postseason ever since moving on from the Golden State Warriors.

Lakers are under siege

Los Angeles has watched its 3-0 series lead turn into a measly one-game lead as Houston refuses to go out. Even if Durant isn’t healthy enough to play in Game 6, if the Rockets win without him—like they’ve done in Games 4 and 5—the forward could be back for the win-or-go-home Game 7 back in The City of Angels. Needless to say, watching the Slim Reaper walk into the court might be a terrible omen for the Purple and Gold.

Though often mistakenly quoted, astronaut Jack Swigert said, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” And that’s exactly what the Rockets might have said—but it seems they’ve figured things out. Now, the pressure is on LeBron James and the Lakers not to be on the wrong side of a colossal falloff in the NBA Playoffs.

Despite the loss, Reaves’ presence back in the rotation provides a much-needed spark for a backcourt that looked stagnant in his absence. While the rust was evident, Reaves made it clear that his road to recovery was fueled by a singular focus.

“It’s been a grind,” Reaves said of his rehab process. “I’ve been running around L.A. doing everything I could possibly do to get back to this moment. I love playing basketball; it’s my happy place.“

While head coach JJ Redick has spent recent media sessions fielding questions regarding Luka Doncic’s rehab (a looming threat in the Western Conference bracket), his immediate focus is now squarely on the Rockets. Houston has proven it won’t go quietly, forcing the Lakers to rethink their defensive schemes ahead of Thursday’s tip-off.

Reaves’ post-injury debut

In his third consecutive postseason run with the Purple and Gold, Reaves proved he’s ready for the heavy lifting, even if his shooting touch hasn’t fully caught up to his intensity. Though he struggled from the floor, his ability to get to the charity stripe kept the Lakers within striking distance.

Austin Reaves: Game 5 stats

• Points: 22 (Second on the team behind LeBron James’ 25)
• Assists: 6
• Rebounds: 4
• Minutes Played: 34 (A full workload despite his recent oblique strain)
• Shooting: 4-of-16 FG (25%) | 2-of-8 3PT (25%)
• Free Throws: 12-of-13 (92.3%)
• Plus/Minus: -5

While the 25% shooting clip is uncharacteristic for the guard, his 13 free-throw attempts suggest his aggressiveness remains intact, a vital sign for a Lakers team that relies on his secondary playmaking.

High stakes in Houston

The pressure is mounting. While the NBA world watches for updates on Kevin Durant’s status elsewhere in the playoffs, the Lakers have a localized crisis to solve.

The Rockets have found a blueprint to frustrate L.A.’s stars, and with a raucous Houston crowd expected for Game 6, the Lakers are officially in “all-or-nothing” territory.

If Redick’s squad wants to secure their spot in the Western Conference Semifinals and keep its championship aspirations alive, it’ll need more than just Reaves’ return, it’ll need a collective defensive masterclass to silence the Rockets once and for all.

Those setbacks pushed him into a much larger offensive role, and the former Chicago Bulls guard responded with the best performance of his NBA career. He exploded for 43 points against Denver in Game 4.

He delivered one of the highest-scoring playoff performances ever by a reserve and instantly became a central figure in the series. Now, Minnesota enters another pivotal matchup with uncertainty surrounding its backcourt depth.

Why was Ayo Dosunmu listed as questionable?

Ayo Dosunmu was listed as questionable for Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets because of right calf soreness. The Minnesota Timberwolves added the guard to the injury report just hours before tipoff, creating even more uncertainty.

His injury designation comes at a difficult moment for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are already without Anthony Edwards, who is recovering from a knee injury, while Donte DiVincenzo suffered a torn Achilles earlier in the series.

His breakout performance helped Minnesota take control of the series and showed how important he has become for Chris Finch’s rotation. So, the coaching staff is expected to monitor the center closely before Game 6.

How has Ayo Dosunmu performed this season?

Ayo Dosunmu has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his NBA career in 2025-26. The guard averaged 14.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field during the regular season.

He began the season with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to Minnesota during the year. After arriving with the Timberwolves, he quickly established himself as an important two-way player thanks to his perimeter defense.

His efficiency has been especially impressive for a backcourt player. Dosunmu finished the regular season among the league leaders in field-goal percentage for guards, while also improving as a playmaker and secondary scorer.

Minnesota relied heavily on his athleticism and defensive energy throughout the second half of the season. He has elevated his game even further during the playoffs. Injuries forced him into a featured offensive role against Denver.

After returning from an emergency appendectomy earlier in the series, he looked dominant in Philadelphia’s Game 5 win, finishing with 33 points and eight assists to help them avoid elimination and cut Boston’s lead to 3-2.

His health remains one of the biggest storylines of the postseason, but the former MVP showed few signs of slowing down in Game 5, controlling the paint and creating opportunities for Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.

How long was Joel Embiid out for?

Joel Embiid missed a little over two weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy earlier this month. He returned just 17 days after surgery, an unusually quick comeback for a player dealing with an appendectomy.

The 76ers superstar was sidelined after experiencing severe abdominal pain during the final stretch of the regular season, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss the beginning of the playoff series against the Boston Celtics.

He returned in Game 4 despite still recovering physically, immediately giving Philadelphia a major boost. In his first game back, he posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, although the Sixers still fell to Boston.

Two days later, he looked much closer to his dominant self in Game 5, finishing with 33 points and eight assists to help the team extend the series. They have continued listing him on the injury report while monitoring his conditioning.

How has Joel Embiid performed this season?

Joel Embiid has once again performed at an All-NBA level during the 2025-26 season. The center averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field during the regular season.

His ability to dominate in the post, draw fouls and create scoring chances for teammates continued to make him one of the most difficult matchups in the NBA. The Sixers relied heavily on his inside presence throughout the year.

He has also shown his importance during the Celtics series. Philadelphia struggled offensively while he was sidelined, but his return changed the tone. In Game 5, he controlled the tempo offensively and helped the Sixers outscore Boston decisively in the fourth quarter to avoid elimination.

Philadelphia 76ers’ next games

The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Thursday at 8 PM ET with their season on the line. Boston currently leads the first-round series 3-2 after Philadelphia’s Game 5 victory at TD Garden.

If the Sixers win Game 6 at home, the series will move back to Boston for a decisive Game 7 this weekend. If the Celtics win, Philadelphia’s season will come to an end in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The upcoming schedule for Philadelphia is:

• Game 6 vs. Boston Celtics — Thursday, April 30
• Potential Game 7 at Boston Celtics — Saturday, May 2 (if necessary)

His status is a major storyline given his impact on defense, rebounding and transition play throughout the series. The Hawks are preparing for both scenarios, knowing his presence or absence could significantly alter the defensive structure.

With the series on the line, Mike Brown’s men, who are currently leading 3-2, are expected to wait until pre-game warmups before making a final decision on one of their most valuable two-way role players.

How and when did Josh Hart get injured?

The 31-year-old shooting guard Josh Hart suffered a lower back contusion during Game 5 of the New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks 2026 NBA Playoffs first-round series after a hard-contact play in the second half.

According to official injury reports, the issue occurred late in the game and forced him to briefly exit before returning in limited capacity, with noticeable discomfort afterward. He did not return to full action and was listed on the injury report.

How has Josh Hart performed this season?

Josh Hart has once again been one of the New York Knicks’ most complete and versatile players during the 2025-26 season. He has averaged 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field.

His value has been especially noticeable in high-intensity games. He has frequently guarded opposing stars on the perimeter. During the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, their defensive strategy with Hart matched up against CJ McCollum became one of the defining elements of the series.

He has continued to thrive as a “do-everything” player in Mike Brown’s system. He regularly fills multiple roles in the same game, operating as a rebounder, secondary playmaker, transition finisher and defensive stopper.

Josh Hart’s achievements with the New York Knicks

Josh Hart’s achievements with the team include franchise records, historic playoff performances and a major role in helping the return to deep postseason contention.

He broke Walt Frazier’s long-standing Knicks franchise record for most triple-doubles in a single season. He recorded nine triple-doubles that year, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1969.

He also made playoff history with the Knicks during the 2025 postseason. In Game 6 against the Boston Celtics, he became the first Knicks player since Walt Frazier in 1972 to record a playoff triple-double, finishing with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in a dominant victory.

Another important achievement has been his role in helping the Knicks consistently return to the playoffs. Since his arrival from the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022-23 season, New York has become one of the Eastern Conference’s toughest and most physical teams.

Both players are dealing with injuries that could significantly impact rotations ahead of a must-win matchup in Minneapolis, where Denver looks to stay alive in the series and the Timberwolves aim to close it out.

Gordon’s availability is considered one of the biggest swing factors of the matchup, given his role as a defensive anchor and secondary scorer alongside center Nikola Jokic and point guard Jamal Murray.

What and when did Aaron Gordon get injured?

The 30-year-old forward Aaron Gordon is dealing with left calf tightness that first appeared during the early stages of the playoff series between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The injury forced him in and out of the lineup, including multiple absences in Games 3 and 5, as Denver managed his workload carefully. According to recent reports, the issue has lingered for over a week and has worsened with game intensity, making it a recurring concern rather than a single-game setback.

He initially felt discomfort after a high-usage stretch in the series and has since been listed as questionable or ruled out depending on pre-game evaluations. His absence in Game 5 was particularly notable, as Denver had to adjust rotations without one of its most versatile defenders and secondary scorers.

When will Aaron Gordon return to play?

Aaron Gordon is considered a true game-time decision for Game 6, with his return dependent on pre-game warmups and medical clearance. The Denver Nuggets have not ruled him out long-term.

Reports from the camp indicate the team is prioritizing caution, especially due to the risk of aggravation. That means he could either return in a limited role or be held out again depending on how he responds physically right before tip-off.

How has Aaron Gordon been playing this season?

Aaron Gordon has been averaging 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this 2025–26 NBA season while shooting nearly 50% from the field. His scoring profile has stayed consistent, with strong interior finishing and improved spacing through occasional three-point shooting at nearly 39%.

He has remained one of the team’s most efficient two-way contributors, playing around 28 minutes per game and serving as a key finisher in transition and pick-and-roll situations alongside Nikola Jokic.

What and when did Bones Hyland get injured?

Bones Hyland is dealing with left knee soreness that emerged just before Game 6 of the series against the Denver Nuggets. The Minnesota guard was added to the injury report late in the series, making him a surprise questionable case.

Unlike longer-term injuries in the series, the 25-year-old point guard’s issue is described as a new and sudden development, likely linked to increased minutes and physical load during the postseason stretch.

How has Bones Hyland been playing this season?

Bones Hyland has been a consistent bench scoring spark for the Minnesota Timberwolves this season, averaging 8 points, 3 assists and close to 2 rebounds per game while shooting efficiently from the field.

He has maintained roughly 46% shooting and has provided steady production in limited minutes as a second-unit guard. His impact has come in bursts, especially when Minnesota needs instant offense off the bench.

He has had multiple double-digit scoring games in key stretches, including standout performances in wins where he reached 18+ points and helped stabilize the second unit during injury-heavy rotations.

When asked about the mounting narrative that Houston might actually be the superior squad, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer didn’t mince words. “I don’t care about s*** like that, bro. The game is won between the lines,” James told reporters post-game. “Ask one of the young guys that question. I’m too old for that s***.”

The return of Austin Reaves to the rotation was expected to provide the spark needed to close out the series. Instead, the Lakers looked disjointed, a far cry from the disciplined unit that dominated the first three games.

While the Lakers struggled to find their rhythm, the Rockets have proven they aren’t ready to head to the offseason. Even without Durant’s scoring gravity, Houston’s collective effort has forced Los Angeles into a precarious position.

The King’s retirement outlook

Beyond the immediate playoff pressure, the conversation around James has shifted toward his eventual exit from the league. In a resurfaced sentiment from his Mind the Game podcast, LeBron emphasized that his post-NBA life will be defined by making up for lost time with his family.

“Hell yeah. My wife is going to get a lot of time,” James said regarding his retirement. “I’ve had to sacrifice not being with my wife a lot because I wanted to be the greatest player that ever played this game.“

Game 6: Clinch or collapse?

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Friday’s Game 6. For the Rockets, a victory on home court would force a winner-take-all Game 7 and a chance to complete a historic comeback.

For the Lakers, the objective is simple: Win and advance. A victory in Game 6 ends the series and sets up a heavyweight second-round matchup against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. If Los Angeles can’t rediscover its early-series form, it risk letting a golden opportunity slip through its fingers.

Cooper Flagg was honored by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday evening, receiving his Rookie of the Year award and speaking at a press conference in Dallas shortly after. “Yeah, I mean, I think it means everything,” Flagg said about winning the Rookie of the Year award.

“I think this award and this recognition is something that all rookies come into the year fighting for, competing for, and they are trying to put their best foot forward for this award. So I think just the recognition means a lot to me. All the hard work, all the hours I have put in throughout the year, throughout the years previous, all the hours I have put in my whole life, just to get this moment, it shows that it is all worth it.

“I mean, obviously thank you to my teammates, obviously the ones that are here, but all the rest of them as well that are not here, I would not have been able to do it without them. Coaches, Coach Jason Kidd, the rest of the staff, I think it is a thank you to them, but it is an incredible recognition and it means a ton to me.”

Cooper Flagg did not forget anyone

Many expected Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets to win the award, who was also Flagg’s teammate at Duke and later became a rival competing for these honors. Flagg said on Wednesday that he spoke with Knueppel throughout the year, but never about the award, and that he considers him someone who will “be one of my best friends for the rest of my life.”

“Me and Kon, we talked all year long, but we never talked about the Rookie of the Year, or what people were saying about any of that. It was more just support, you know, for one another. And staying in contact. I mean, he is somebody that will be one of my best friends for the rest of my life.

“So just stay in contact, seeing how things have been different for him and what he has learned, and just trying to help each other in our own single journeys apart from each other, but just learning as much as we can about this league and how we can be better. But yeah, we definitely stayed in contact. And, yeah, I have talked to him.”

The great season of Flagg and Knueppel

It is an incredibly deserved award for a player who led his team in virtually every statistical category while being asked to play a position he had never really played coming into the year.

This season, Cooper Flagg joined Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to lead their team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals since steals were first recorded in 1973-74. Flagg also became the second youngest NBA Rookie of the Year winner behind LeBron James.

In his first season in the NBA, Flagg averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 46.8% from the field and 29.5% from three, all while appearing in 70 games for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks’ rookie was in a tightly contested race for the award with Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who finished the season averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 47.5% from the field and a blistering 42.5% from three. He made 273 three-pointers, the most ever by a rookie.

James revealed that he had actually been operating at less than 100 percent for the last five years. “My foot and my ankle ain’t been the same since. Ever since that injury, I’ve been fighting uphill to get it back to normal. But it’s been a little blah ever since,” said James, per Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

LeBron had this injury ever since he was hurt on a play when then Atlanta Hawks forward Solomon Hill collided with his ankle, sending James out of the lineup for a significant chunk of the 2020-21 season.

LeBron’s current form

Now the outlook for LeBron James is different. Yes, this season has been more restricted in terms of minutes, and he has dealt with injuries that have kept him from consistent play with the Lakers.

It is worth remembering that during the regular season, there was also the issue of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and James not being healthy at the same time, unlike now in the playoffs, where LeBron is on his own.

In this current series, LeBron has been the soul of the Lakers. And that’s why they lost in game 4, James was coming off one of his worst scoring performances in a playoff game in his storied career. Sunday marked just one of five times James scored 10 or fewer points in an NBA postseason game in 296 career playoff appearances.

The veteran forward had an uneven series in the scoring department with 19 points in Game 1, 28 in Game 2, 29 in Game 3, and then 10 in Game 4, making it clear that age is just a number.

LeBron frustrated by 2020-21 injury

James also spoke on the frustration of suffering the injury amid what had been a promising 2020-21 season for the Los Angeles Lakers as they looked to defend their Bubble title.

“What could have been, for sure. I was playing some of the best basketball of my career up until that point and leading this franchise in the right direction, and then something like that happens, a high ankle sprain, and there’s nothing you can do about that,” he said.

James did not look quite like himself when he returned that year, and the Lakers ended up losing in the playoffs to the eventual Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns in six games.

“He’s going to go through the same process and we’ll make the decision at game time,” JJ Redick told ESPN. The Lakers’ head coach confirmed Reaves is trending toward a potential return after progressing through on-court workouts without setbacks, suggesting that fans could soon see him back on the court.

Redick‘s team and the medical staff have taken a cautious approach throughout his recovery, easing him back into basketball activities rather than rushing him into action during the first four games of the series.

When did Austin Reaves get injured?

Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain on April 2, 2026, during a regular-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred in the first half after he experienced discomfort in his left side.

After undergoing an MRI, the team confirmed the diagnosis and ruled him out indefinitely, with initial reports indicating a recovery timeline of approximately 4–6 weeks, according to ESPN.

How long has Austin Reaves been out?

Austin Reaves has been sidelined for several weeks, with his absence stretching since early April due to the oblique injury. Medical reports estimated a recovery window of 4 to 6 weeks, placing his return around late April or early May.

During this period, the guard has missed both the end of the regular season and multiple playoff games, with his status fluctuating between “out” and “questionable” as he progressed through on-court recovery work.

Is Austin Reaves the only injured player on the team?

No — Austin Reaves is not the only injury concern for the Lakers. The team has also been dealing with other key absences, most notably Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain during the same stretch of the postseason.

These combined injuries have significantly impacted Los Angeles’ rotation, forcing head coach JJ Redick to rely more heavily on role players and adjust offensive responsibilities across the lineup.

How has Austin Reaves’ absence affected the Lakers?

Austin Reaves’ absence has significantly impacted the Los Angeles Lakers’ offensive structure, reducing their secondary scoring, playmaking and late-game creation behind LeBron James.

The Purple and Gold have struggled at times to generate consistent half-court offense without Reaves’ ability to handle the ball, attack closeouts and create advantages for teammates.

His absence has also forced increased responsibility on role players, which has led to stretches of inconsistency in spacing and shot quality during the series against the Houston Rockets.

Without him, the team has had fewer lineup options and less flexibility in guarding opposing guards, which has made rotations more predictable in key playoff moments.