Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves said he does not expect a first-half back injury to linger after returning to finish Thursday night’s 43-point defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Reaves left briefly in the opening half on April 2 after stretching for a loose ball, but he re-entered after halftime and showed no visible limitations.
“I just overextended a little bit. I got some treatment at halftime and was able to play,” Reaves told Spectrum SportsNet.
Head coach JJ Redick said the guard felt pain “in between the ribs” but managed to complete the game. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Redick added.
The Lakers are already monitoring Luka Doncic, who exited early with a hamstring problem. With the postseason approaching, the club can ill afford additional setbacks.
Marcus Smart Close to Return
Veteran guard Marcus Smart, sidelined the past six games by an ankle contusion, participated in on-court work and could be available for Sunday’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Source: Lakers Nation
