TITLE: Lakers upgrade Austin Reaves to questionable for Game 3; Luka Doncic still sidelined
SLUG: lakers-reaves-upgraded-questionable-game-3-rockets
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers listed guard Austin Reaves as questionable for Game 3 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets after the third-year guard showed improvement from a left oblique muscle strain.
Reaves missed the opening two games but has resumed on-court activity, giving Los Angeles a chance to regain one of its primary playmakers when the best-of-seven shifts to Houston. The Lakers hold a 2-0 advantage.
Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) remains out, and the team has not set a timetable for the All-NBA guard’s return.
Rockets injury report
Houston designated forward Kevin Durant questionable with a left ankle sprain. The injury is unrelated to the right knee contusion that kept him out of Game 1. Reserve wing Jake LaRavia is no longer listed after an MRI revealed only a minor right ankle sprain, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
Lakers proceed cautiously
With a commanding series lead, Los Angeles appears in no rush to accelerate the recoveries of Reaves or Doncic. Redick emphasized that both players will return only when fully cleared to avoid potential setbacks.
Heavy minutes for Hachimura
Forward Rui Hachimura is averaging a team-high 42 minutes through two postseason contests. The fifth-year pro said he prepared all season for an expanded playoff workload and is comfortable maintaining the pace.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night at Toyota Center in Houston.
Source: Lakers Nation
