Los Angeles Lakers upgrade Austin Reaves to questionable for Game 3
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been upgraded to questionable for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets following an oblique injury.
The 27-year-old has been sidelined since 2 April when he suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain during a heavy defeat by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
His potential return offers a significant boost for the Californian franchise, who currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-0.
Durant doubt compounds Houston concerns
The Rockets are facing their own major injury concerns with veteran forward Kevin Durant listed as questionable due to a sprained left ankle.
The 37-year-old missed the series opener with a right knee contusion before returning to lead his team in scoring during Game 2.
However, the forward struggled in the second half of Tuesday’s 101-94 loss, committing a post-season career-worst nine turnovers.
Doncic remains sidelined for Lakers
While Reaves nears a return, the visitors will remain without star playmaker Luka Doncic.
The Slovenian international sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in the same regular-season fixture that claimed Reaves.
Without their starting backcourt, L.A. slipped from the third seed to fourth in the Western Conference standings to set up this clash with Houston.
Reaves ramps up recovery
Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Reaves had begun his return-to-play programme earlier this week.
The dynamic guard enjoyed a stellar regular season, averaging a career-best 23.3 points alongside 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Meanwhile, backup forward Jake LaRavia will be available for Friday’s clash in Texas despite suffering an ankle sprain in Game 2.
Redick described LaRavia’s issue as a very low-grade, minor sprain, noting that an MRI scan returned clean results.
