Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers announced the designation for their guard on Thursday as the team travelled to Houston.
Despite playing without Luka Doncic and Reaves, their top two scorers, Los Angeles holds a 2-0 series lead heading into Friday night’s Game 3.
Reaves’ Injury and Return
Reaves has been sidelined since straining his oblique muscles in a game at Oklahoma City on April 2. He has recently returned to on-court basketball activities. Coach JJ Redick stated before the Lakers’ flight that he had no update on the schedule for his injured starters’ return to play.
During the regular season, Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. He played in 51 games during his fifth season with Los Angeles. The former undrafted free agent cemented his status as a prolific secondary scorer and dependable offensive facilitator while the Lakers won 53 games and the Pacific Division.
Reaves and Doncic were both injured during the Lakers’ blowout loss to the Thunder three weeks ago.
Doncic’s Status and Team Performance
Doncic is still out for Game 3. Redick said earlier this week that the superstar is expected to begin on-court work soon. The Lakers haven’t publicly speculated on the date of either guard’s return.
After losing three straight games following the injuries, the Lakers have regrouped and won five in a row. Los Angeles claimed the first two games of its first-round series at home over the Rockets.
Others Step Up
LeBron James is leading the way in the absence of Reaves and Doncic. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have also stepped up impressively. Kennard scored 27 points in Game 1 and 23 in Game 2. Smart scored 25 points with five 3-pointers in Game 2, leading Los Angeles’ impressive defensive effort against Kevin Durant.
The Rockets were perceived as the strong favourites in the series due to the Lakers’ injury problems.
The Lakers stunned the NBA by claiming the first two games of its first-round series at home over the Rockets.