Lakers optimistic Austin Reaves will return for Game 5 against Rockets
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is aiming to play Wednesday night in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets after a four-week absence with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources told ESPN.
Reaves will be evaluated at game time for the third straight contest, but team officials are “significantly hopeful” he will be cleared, barring any late setback, according to the sources. The 27-year-old has steadily increased his workload over the past two weeks, moving from individual drills to full-court scrimmages.
The injury occurred April 2, sidelining Reaves for the final five regular-season games and the first four playoff matchups. Before the setback, he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from beyond the arc.
The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can secure a second-round berth with a win in Game 5, scheduled for 10 p.m. ET Wednesday on ESPN. Los Angeles will again be without Luka Doncic, who remains out with the hamstring injury he suffered on the same night as Reaves.
Source: ESPN
