Victor Wembanyama (concussion) has been ruled out of the Spurs’ Game 3 tilt in Portland on Prime Video. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
We’re bringing you the best of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights from Friday’s action.
An action-packed triple-header is underway on Prime Video, featuring Celtics-76ers (Live), Lakers-Rockets (Live), and Spurs-Blazers (10:30 p.m. ET)!
- All-Access: Celtics vs. 76ers
- All-Access: Lakers vs. Rockets
- Last night’s live blog: Hawks, Raptors & Wolves earn crucial Game 3 wins
- 2026 NBA Playoffs Hub
- Download the NBA App
What we know about Friday’s Game 3s:
- Celtics-76ers shifts to Philadelphia with both teams seeking to take a 2-1 series lead (7:00 p.m. ET, Prime). Boston and Philly traded double-digit victories in Games 1 and 2, respectively, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe combining for 59 points in their dominant 111-97 win on Tuesday.
- The Lakers look to become the first team in the 2026 NBA Playoffs to secure a 3-0 series lead when they visit the Rockets (8:00 p.m. ET, Prime). LA has held Houston to below 100 points in each of the first two games, and they’ll have to figure out a gameplan without Kevin Durant (ankle) again, who will miss Game 3 after sitting out Game 1’s loss.
- A crucial Game 3 in Portland awaits as De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and the Spurs take on Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija and the Trail Blazers with the series tied at one game apiece (10:30 p.m. ET, Prime). Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) has been ruled out after being listed as questionable leading up to tipoff.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:30 ET
2-point game in Philly
The Sixers rattle off a 5-0 run to trim their deficit to just 2, 92-90, with 4:02 remaining on Prime Video!
ANDRE AGAIN! 👌 pic.twitter.com/UT5c24uHWf
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:25 ET
Lakers up 11 at halftime
Los Angeles takes a 63-52 lead into the break as LeBron James (3 reb, 4 ast) and Rui Hachimura (3 3PM, 1 stl) pour in 16 points apiece. The Lakers shoot 57% (23-40 FG) overall and 62% (8-13) from downtown, while the Rockets finish at 37% (16-43 FG) from the field and 37% (7-19) from 3.
THE FIRST FATHER-TO-SON ASSIST IN POSTSEASON HISTORY 🤯
(Via: @Lakers) pic.twitter.com/kv2y5cESxR
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (14 pts, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl) and Amen Thompson (11 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk) lead the way for Houston.
straight 🆙 pic.twitter.com/sLfHsZwSJE
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:15 ET
Maxey gives Sixers lead in 4Q
Tyrese Maxey has a game-high 29 points and five made 3-pointers to give Philadelphia an 85-84 lead with 8:41 remaining in the game.
A GAME-HIGH 29 FOR TYRESE MAXEY.
HE PUTS PHILLY IN FRONT ONCE AGAIN!!
GET TO PRIME FOR 4Q ACTION. pic.twitter.com/uYsN91uhRG
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
TYRESE MAXEY. pic.twitter.com/jFS7eUmBoo
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:09 ET
Wemby out for Game 3
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) is out for tonight’s Game 3 against Portland.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) has been ruled out of Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:06 ET
Boston leads 79-74 heading to 4Q
Jaylen Brown (17 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast), Jayson Tatum (14 pts, 5 ast) and Payton Pritchard (12 pts, 4 3PM, 4 reb) power the Celtics’ 5-point advantage heading to the final frame on Prime Video.
N🚫🚫🚫 pic.twitter.com/IPvcwuk9z9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 25, 2026
Tyrese Maxey leads Philadelphia with a game-high 21 points on 8-for-21 shooting (3 3PM), adding 3 boards, 5 assists, one steal and 2 blocks in 30 minutes.
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:58 ET
LeBron making plays
LeBron James is up to 14 points on 5-for-5 shooting (2 3PM) with 3 rebounds, 4 dimes and one steal in 14 minutes, giving the Lakers a 59-46 lead over the Rockets with 4:49 left in the first half.
LBJ goes no-look to Jake LaRavia for ✌️
Lakers still ahead in the 2Q! pic.twitter.com/KoaegVMyUU
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
The King connects with Bronny for the up-and-under oop. What a moment for the father-son duo.
LEBRON TO BRONNY.
FATHER TO SON.BRON ASSIST ➡️ BRONNY REVERSE. pic.twitter.com/OHEWmQuw1O
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (12 pts, 4 3PM), Alperen Sengun (11 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast) and Reed Sheppard (8 pts, 2 3PM, 3 ast) fuel Houston’s offense as they look to climb back in Game 3.
it’s slippery around SHEPP ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/8b32EYt36J
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:50 ET
Sixers take lead in 3Q
Philadelphia is outscoring Boston 20-12 in the third behind Paul George (16 pts, 4 3PM) and Tyrese Maxey (game-high 19 pts, 3 3PM), and the Sixers grab a 67-66 edge with 5:14 remaining in the quarter.
looking like @alleniverson out there. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/hAdADy9P02
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
TYRESE MAXEY FOR THE LEAD.
SIXERS ON A 17-4 RUN AT HOME.
PHILLY FANS ARE ON THEIR FEET. pic.twitter.com/vexGKIBuS8
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
The Celtics star duo of Jaylen Brown (6 reb, 2 ast, 1 blk) and Jayson Tatum (2 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl) each have 13 points apiece.
With his left hand up like woo 🤌 pic.twitter.com/DPwJkr4Vil
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:42 ET
Hachimura catches fire in 1Q
Rui Hachimura drops a game-high 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting and 3-for-3 from long range, giving the Lakers a 39-32 edge over Houston after 12 minutes. Luke Kennard adds 8 points and 4 dimes, and LA dishes out 14 assists on 14 made field goals.
This Lakers sequence…
Jaxson Hayes hustle.
Luke Kennard assist.
Rui Hachimura triple.Hachimura: 14 PTS, 3-3 3PM, 5-5 FGM pic.twitter.com/E0DYgAcdRG
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jaxson Hayes THROWDOWN.
Lakers lead by 7 after the 1Q in Houston 👌
LAL leads 2-0 I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/kkZgCHqNd8
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Alperen Sengun is feeling it for the Rockets, tallying a team-high 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting with 2 boards, 2 assists and one steal.
Alpi for 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙚 🌊 pic.twitter.com/FDCWtAoJ1x
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:25 ET
Lakers-Rockets battling early
Rui Hachimura (11 pts on 4-4 FG, 2 3PM) and LeBron James (5 pts, 2 ast) are clicking in the first quarter, as the Lakers and Rockets are tied at 21 with 4:36 to go in the frame.
LeBron James making plays early in H-Town 👀
Dime to Rui Hachimura for 3.
Knocks down his own 3.Lakers seeking a 3-0 series lead on Prime! pic.twitter.com/iqqfca6JW6
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
6/6 to start the game. 17 points.@Lakers off to a HOT start on the road 👀
LAL leads HOU 2-0 I Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/JecgmBjarQ
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. (6 pts, 2 3PM, 2 reb) and Alperen Sengun (5 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast) lead the way for Houston as they hope to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
hit the 🔄 pic.twitter.com/zxBlFpSBFG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:20 ET
Celtics lead 54-47 at halftime
Jaylen Brown (11 pts, 5 reb, 1 blk), Jayson Tatum (8 pts, 5 ast, 1 stl) and Nikola Vučević (8 pts, 2 3PM, 4 reb, 2 blk) stuff the stat sheet to help Boston take a 7-point advantage over the Sixers at the break. The Celtics shoot 12-for-28 (43%) from 3 as four C’s have hit at least two 3-pointers.
Things you love to see: HUSTLE PLAYS 🙌
Jaylen Brown runs back for the chasedown swat! pic.twitter.com/OmmwugtjXM
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Derrick White gives Boston a 7-point advantage heading into halftime 🔥
Series tied 1-1 I BOS/PHI Game 3 on Prime pic.twitter.com/esv7nXGSVq
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
Kelly Oubre Jr. (11 pts, 3 reb) is the only Sixer in double figures, but Tyrese Maxey (9 pts, 4 ast, 1 blk), Paul George (8 pts, 2 3PM) and VJ Edgecombe (8 pts, 5 reb, 1 blk) are right behind him.
the rook gets it to go. 👊 pic.twitter.com/1NNg2THRcJ
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 25, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 8:01 ET
Starting Lineups: Lakers-Rockets, Game 3
LeBron James and the Lakers look for a commanding 3-0 series lead when they visit Alperen Sengun and the Rockets on Prime Video. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
- Los Angeles Lakers
- PG – Luke Kennard (25.0 ppg, 72.7% on 5.5 3PA, 5.0 rpg, 1.5 spg)
- SG – Marcus Smart (20.0 ppg, 7.5 apg, 3.0 spg, 1.5 bpg)
- SF – Rui Hachimura (13.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 spg, 1.0 bpg)
- PF – LeBron James (23.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 10.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
- C – Deandre Ayton (12.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.0 bpg)
- Houston Rockets
- PG – Reed Sheppard (8.5 ppg, 5.5 apg, 1.0 spg)
- SG – Amen Thompson (16.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 8.0 apg, 2.0 spg)
- SF – Tari Eason (13.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.5 spg)
- PF – Jabari Smith Jr. (17.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.0 spg)
- C – Alperen Sengun (19.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.5 bpg)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:56 ET
Sixers keeping it close
Defense to offense brings the Sixers to within 6, but Boston leads 43-35 with 6:56 remaining in the second quarter.
RIM-ROCKER FROM THE ROOKIE! https://t.co/nImqjIkGwq pic.twitter.com/pGr37MJ1qT
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026
After shooting 13-for-50 from 3-point range in Game 2’s loss, the Celtics have already knocked down 11 of their 23 attempts from behind the arc.
This was cold 🥶 pic.twitter.com/91XulNotN7
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:43 ET
C’s up 5 heading to 2Q
Boston takes a 29-24 edge over Philadelphia heading to the second frame behind Jaylen Brown (7 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast) and Jayson Tatum (6 pts, 3 ast). The Celtics are outscoring the Sixers 21-6 from the 3-point line.
Tyrese Maxey (9 PTS) with the score.
Jayson Tatum (6 PTS) with the response!
High-level hoops early in Game 3 🍿 pic.twitter.com/PDABU46rSw
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Tyrese Maxey has a game-high 9 points on 3-for-9 shooting, adding 2 boards, 3 assists and one block in 12 minutes.
Paul George & Adem Bona 🤝 playing tough defense
Tight contest in the 1Q on Prime! pic.twitter.com/963mwhzD1F
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 7:33 ET
Celtics-76ers underway on Prime
It’s been somewhat of a slow start in Philadelphia, as both teams are shooting below 39% from the field with the game tied at 18 with 3:08 left in the first quarter.
TYRESE TRANSITION THREE. 👌 pic.twitter.com/yVxuSfqm04
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 24, 2026
Tyrese Maxey (5 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk) and Adem Bona (6 pts, 3 reb, 1 blk) pace the Sixers early.
VJ Edgecombe’s athleticism 😮
Watch BOS (1-1) PHI Game 3 on Prime! pic.twitter.com/WnLWNalnhl
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Jaylen Brown leads six Celtics with 5 points (2-2 FG, 1-1 3PM) and 3 rebounds in 9 minutes of play.
Throws it down 😤 pic.twitter.com/8PlQykmqLE
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 6:43 ET
NAW wins Most Improved Player award
Congratulations to the Atlanta Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker for being named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Improved Player!
NAW: 2025-26 @Kia NBA Most Improved Player 🏆
’24-25: 9.4 PPG, 0.6 SPG, 1.7 3PM, 43.8 FG%
’25-26: 20.8 PPG, 1.3 SPG, 3.2 3PM, 45.9 FG%
The @ATLHawks are the first team in NBA history with back-to-back Kia NBA MIP winners (Dyson Daniels). https://t.co/shwOdtTgHZ pic.twitter.com/0axZngFJSd
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
Congrats, Nickeil!@NickeilAW is your 2025-26 @Kia NBA Most Improved Player 🤩
(Via: @ATLHawks) pic.twitter.com/m44yDN2Ifc
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2026
APRIL 24, 2026 / 6:15 ET
Starting Lineups: Celtics-76ers, Game 3
Jaylen Brown and the Celtics visit Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers for Game 3 of their series tied at 1-1 on Prime Video. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
- Boston Celtics:
- PG – Derrick White (9.0 ppg, 4.5 apg, 1.0 bpg)
- SG – Jaylen Brown (31.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg)
- SF – Sam Hauser (9.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 42.9% on 7.0 3PA)
- PF – Jayson Tatum (22.0 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 8.0 apg, 1.5 spg)
- C – Neemias Queta (10.5 ppg on 88.9 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
- Philadelphia 76ers:
- PG – Tyrese Maxey (25.0 ppg, 8.5 apg, 1.0 spg)
- SG – VJ Edgecombe (21.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.0 spg)
- SF – Kelly Oubre, Jr. (11.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
- PF – Paul George (18.0 ppg on 52.4 FG%, 4.0 rpg)
- C – Adem Bona (1.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
APRIL 24, 2026 / 9:13 ET
Tonight’s injury report
BOS @ PHI — Joel Embiid will not play as he recovers from Appendectomy surgery.
LAL @ HOU — Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are both out for the Lakers.
Kevin Durant (ankle) is out for the Rockets.
SAS @ POR — Victor Wembanyama (concussion protocol) traveled with the Spurs to Portland but has been ruled out. Jordan McLaughlin (ankle) is out for the third straight game.
Damian Lillard (Achilles) remains out for the Blazers.
