The Houston Rockets found life in Game 4 by blitzing a depleted Los Angeles Lakers lineup. But now, reinforcements appear to be on the way for the Lakers, as Austin Reaves seems poised to return for Wednesday’s Game 5 after missing roughly four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain. This completely shifts the series, and the NBA world had some strong reactions.
Austin Reaves Returning Turns Lakers-Rockets Game 5 On Its Head
The Lakers have listed Reaves as a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the guard has a good shot of playing on Wednesday.
“Austin Reaves has been making great progress over the last one to two weeks, progressing from one-on-ones to larger group scrimmages with no setbacks,” Charania reported this morning on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “So barring any type of an issue over the next 24 hours, Austin Reaves is going into practice today in Los Angeles with significant hope that he can get back into the lineup.”
Popular Lakers fan account @LakersLead tweeted, “DEMON IS BACK.”
DEMON IS BACK pic.twitter.com/7VOb3KrAi6
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) April 28, 2026
Other fanbases recognized the immediate threat to Houston’s playoff survival. Prominent Golden State Warriors fan account @WarriorsMuse posted a screenshot of an old Rockets tweet that reads,” Shhh. Just close your eyes. It’ll all be over soon,” accompanied by the caption, “Goodnight Houston.”
Goodnight Houston pic.twitter.com/4NK6WUTc74
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) April 28, 2026
Reaves is unlikely to resume his normal workload immediately. Oblique strains directly impact core rotation and shooting. Rushing back to play 40 minutes in a physical playoff environment risks further injuries.
Evan Jeffries, a doctor of physical therapy who tracks NBA and NFL injuries, expects a conservative approach from the Los Angeles medical staff.
“Seems like the right game to come back so he can get some playoff experience. I expect him to come [off] the bench with a minute restriction,” Jeffries tweeted.
Seems like the right game to come back so he can get some playoff experience.
I expect him to come of the bench with a minute restriction
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) April 28, 2026
Even in a limited capacity, Reaves’ return forces Houston to adjust its defensive assignments. Rockets podcast host Salman Ali said, “Amen Thompson probably takes this assignment for Houston.” Thompson successfully disrupted the Lakers’ offense as a roamer in Game 4.
Even a limited Reaves still spaces the floor and processes the game faster than the Lakers’ alternatives.
NBA analyst Iztok Franko celebrated Reaves’ return after an up-and-down campaign: “I hope Austin returns and has a good playoffs. Deserves it after a roller coaster season with some really high highs and a couple of injury lows…and ahead of very important summer.”
If Reaves can simply stabilize the offense for limited stretches, Los Angeles possesses enough firepower to close out the series and secure some crucial rest.
