A setback suffered by Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday heightened worries about the team’s postseason prospects. The game ended with the star player suffering an eye injury, which made the Lakers’ already difficult season much more difficult.

During a put-back dunk in the first quarter, Davis was unfortunate enough to collide with Kyle Anderson of the Timberwolves. Davis managed to contribute four points and four rebounds in his meager twelve minutes of action before being injured at halftime and out of the game. This injury was reminiscent of one that Davis sustained against the Golden State Warriors in March, indicating a persistent weakness in his health.

LeBron James was already out with flu-like symptoms, so the Lakers suffered a big loss when Davis missed game action. Davis’ injury further jeopardizes the team’s hopes of earning a higher seed in the Western Conference standings.

Davis has struggled with a number of injuries this season, including a bruise in his left eye that occurred earlier in March and problems to his hip and Achilles in earlier months. Davis has continued to put up strong performances in spite of these difficulties, averaging 24.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game.

The Lakers are still having trouble in the very competitive Western Conference, though. The team’s fragile position in the playoff race is demonstrated by their 45-33 record going into Sunday’s game and their ninth-place ranking. Securing a postseason spot depends on Davis and James being able to preserve their health as the regular season comes to an end.

The Lakers’ hopes of making the playoffs are becoming increasingly hazy as they manage a difficult final stretch without important players. The team’s destiny is in jeopardy with only three regular-season games left, and every win is essential to their chances of making the playoffs.