The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of pulling off an impressive and improbable first-round sweep against the Houston Rockets. Despite missing a massive chunk of their starting backcourt, the Lakers have completely overwhelmed the Rockets, taking a 3-0 series lead after a thrilling overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday.
With Luka Dončić sidelined, the spotlight has turned to starting shooting guard Austin Reaves and his potential availability.
Will Lakers’ Austin Reaves Play in Game 4 vs. the Rockets?
The Lakers’ backcourt depth was decimated right before the postseason began. Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain on April 2 during a 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, forcing him to the sidelines right during the crucial stretch.
The initial diagnosis placed Reaves on a four-to-six week recovery timeline, meaning a potential return during the second round was always the more realistic target.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that he had been cleared for on-court work and was progressing ahead of schedule, giving the Lakers genuine hope that he could feature before the postseason is over.
Unfortunately for Lakers fans hoping for a Game 4 return for Reaves, the wait may have to continue. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Reaves is out for today’s Game 4 matchup.
While the 27-year-old has reportedly made progress in his rehab and has been seen taking shots during practice, the medical staff could be exercising caution with Reaves’ oblique issue.
Before his injury, Reaves was averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists during the regular season while shooting 49.0% from the floor.
The cautious approach is understandable, given the Lakers’ comfortable 3-0 series lead, and so there is little incentive to rush Reaves back onto the floor and risk reinjury.
Operating without Reaves and Dončić, LeBron James has played marathon minutes as the primary point guard, orchestrating the offense and delivering clutch performances, including the game-tying 3-pointer that forced overtime in Game 3.
The 41-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while logging around 40 minutes per night in this series.
Meanwhile, role players like Luke Kennard have also stepped up, and head coach JJ Redick has tightened his rotation (despite a few heavily scrutinized minutes from Bronny James) to outcoach the Rockets’ Ime Udoka so far.
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The Rockets are dealing with their own massive injury issues. Kevin Durant missed Games 1 (right knee contusion) and 3 (left ankle sprain), leaving Udoka with very few reliable scoring options.
Regardless, getting Reaves back allows the offense to run through a different hub and offers James a much-needed chance to reduce his offensive responsibilities as Los Angeles slowly looks to go in for a deep postseason run.
Game 4 is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Toyota Center on Sunday.
