On April 25 Beijing time, Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round NBA playoffs featured the Rockets hosting the Lakers. With Durant unavailable, the Lakers dominated the first half, building a double-digit lead by halftime. In the third quarter, the Lakers' shooting plummeted sharply, scoring only 17 points, allowing the Rockets to narrow the gap to single digits.

It's over~ Durant missed Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain. According to Rockets head coach Udoka, Durant sprained his left ankle during a transition offense in the final quarter of Game 2, followed by swelling and pain upon pressure. This is Durant's second absence in the Rockets-Lakers series, the first being in Game 1 due to a deep contusion of the right knee patellar tendon.

On April 25 Beijing time, the NBA officially announced that Hawks player Alexander-Walker has been named the 2025-26 season's Most Improved Player (the trophy is named after George Mikan). Notably, this marks the second consecutive year a Hawks player has received this award. Last season's Most Improved Player was Daniels of the Hawks. The Hawks have also become the first team in NBA history to have players win the Most Improved Player award back-to-back.

On April 25 Beijing time, according to a report by Bill Oram of The Oregonian, the Trail Blazers are ready to actively pursue Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. "The return of Damian Lillard, especially his highly valuable contract of only $14 million, not only enhances the Trail Blazers' on-court strength but also makes the team management increasingly eager, determined to go all out in recruiting and chasing other stars.

On April 25 Beijing time, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced: guard Austin Reaves, due to a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain, has been updated to definitively out and will not play in the first-round Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Rockets also formally confirmed that Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) continues to be sidelined, marking his second absence in this series.

On April 25 Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, Rockets star Durant will miss today's G3 game due to an ankle injury. Previously listed as questionable, after pre-game warm-ups he was confirmed unavailable. For the Rockets trailing 0-2, this is undoubtedly a massive blow.

A full season of 42 losses, a cross-season streak of 47 consecutive defeats... Sichuan team has set a world record, becoming the professional basketball team with the longest losing streak in the world. Sichuan team may not appear in the CBA next season, as several NBL teams are waiting to replace them, such as the Hong Kong Golden Bulls, who just achieved a three consecutive championship feat a couple of days ago.

Beijing time April 24, according to Rockets reporter Will Guillory, if the Rockets exit the playoffs early, the team may consider trading away Sengun this summer to acquire star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Donovan Mitchell who might leave their teams. Here is his report—At this stage of the season, exaggerated narratives are everywhere.

NBA medical technology is indeed becoming more advanced~ On May 13 last year, Tatum suffered a rupture of his right Achilles tendon, and then on March 7 this year, he made a triumphant return, with a recovery time of less than a year. This guy played 16 games in the regular season this season, all as a starter, averaging 32.6 minutes per game, scoring 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals, with three shooting percentages of 41.4%, 32.9%, and 82.

What? Old injuries not healed, new injuries added~ Durant missed Game 1 due to a right knee contusion, and despite a deep right knee patellar tendon contusion, he insisted on playing in Game 2. Now, he is questionable for Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain... Currently, the Rockets trail the Lakers 0-2 in the series. If Durant cannot play or performs poorly due to injury, the Rockets are truly on the brink.