Austin Reaves is ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 3 clash with the Houston Rockets. However, a return could be on the cards sooner than expected.
Reaves Eyes Game 4 Return
The Lakers guard was ruled out for Friday’s game against the Houston Rockets. Hours before the game, it was reported that Reaves was trying to play Game 3, and would push for Game 4 if he couldn’t.
Reaves was previously considered questionable for the game. Rockets star Kevin Durant will miss the game because of a sprained left ankle. Luka Dončić remains out indefinitely with a hamstring strain and is not expected to return this series.
Injury Timeline and Recovery
Reaves was originally reported to have a 4-to-6-week timeline to return after sustaining the injury in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. That would add up to an earliest return date of April 30, though these things can be fluid, especially with muscles like the oblique.
The Lakers had Reaves doing oncourt, 3-on-3 work on Tuesday and he has continued to progress since then.
Lakers’ Performance Without Reaves
If he does return this series, it will be boon for a team that has so far done fine without him. It was easy to panic when Reaves and Dončić were both ruled out for the rest of the regular season and part of the playoffs, but the Lakers have taken a 2-0 lead over the Rockets, who have struggled offensively through the first two games.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. in Houston.