The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets will both be without key contributors when they meet in Game 4 of their first-round series tonight at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers confirmed that guard Austin Reaves remains out with a left oblique muscle strain sustained on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Houston will again miss forward Kevin Durant, who continues to recover from a bone bruise in his sprained left ankle.
Reaves had been listed as questionable before Game 3, and head coach JJ Redick indicated the 27-year-old is nearing a return. Team medical staff, however, opted to hold him out at least one more contest, a decision likely influenced by Los Angeles’ 3-0 series lead.
Redick noted that extending the series would create a larger window for Reaves—and for injured guard Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a strained left hamstring—to rejoin the lineup. Should the Lakers advance, the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder await in the second round.
Without Reaves, Los Angeles may rely on additional playmakers when LeBron James rests. The Rockets have typically made scoring runs during those minutes, and Redick has emphasized the need for steadier offensive production in James’ absence.
Tipoff for Game 4 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.
Source: Lakers Nation
