The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled since Austin Reaves went down with a calf injury, posting a 3-6 record over their last nine games. While they currently sit fifth in the Western Conference, the team faces a real risk of sliding into play-in contention, making Reaves’ return increasingly crucial for their playoff hopes.
Will Austin Reaves Play Against the Mavericks Tonight?
Though trending toward a comeback, Reaves will not play in Saturday night’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. He has missed 15 straight games since suffering a calf strain during the Lakers’ Christmas matchup and was officially ruled out the day before the game.
There’s growing optimism that Reaves could return during the Lakers’ current road trip, which concludes on Feb. 3, with Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls representing his next opportunity to hit the court.
Head coach JJ Reddick offered a promising update ahead of Thursday’s 112-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“JJ Redick says Austin Reaves has been playing 3-on-3 as part of his return-to-play process. Mentioned “he’s looked like Austin” in his live-court sessions. Stay-ready games should be happening soon,” Khobi Price of the California Post reported.
The Lakers are 26-17 this season and could fall to eighth place in the Western Conference if they lose to the Mavericks. As a result, Los Angeles could use a boost from Reaves’ shot creation and playmaking to lighten the offensive burden on Luka Dončić and veteran star forward LeBron James.
Through 23 appearances, Reaves is averaging a career-high 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.7 3-pointers per game on strong 50.7/36.5/87.3 shooting splits. Meanwhile, the Lakers have gone 15-8 with him in the lineup.
While Reaves won’t solve LA’s glaring defensive woes, as the team sits 25th in defensive rating (117.3), Dončić is looking forward to having another potent offensive threat by his side.
“On court, he’s an amazing player. He helps us in so many ways,” Dončić said this week in anticipation of Reaves’ return. “Playing with him is fun, it’s very fun.
“… He’s gonna be huge for us, especially we have eight-games road trip. So, it’s gonna be huge if we can get him back, but obviously, he’s gotta be fully healthy, especially the calf, it’s not an easy injury. So, we just want him to be healthy, and then when he’s ready to go back, come back.”
For Saturday, Dončić will aim for a win against his former team, while Reaves focuses on preparing for Monday’s clash with the Bulls, hoping to contribute some minutes off the bench.
