The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) is again being listed as questionable.
Additionally, Bronny James (left leg soreness) is questionable while Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) remains out.
Reaves has been out since Christmas Day with the calf injury, which was the second that he suffered this season. Because of that, the Lakers have been extremely cautious with his recovery to ensure that it does not lead to a bigger issue like an Achilles tear.
This is the second game in a row that Reaves has been listed as questionable as he also was for Friday’s contest against the Washington Wizards before ultimately being ruled out.
Before that game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained that Reaves has not had any setbacks and is actually ahead of schedule in his recovery but just wasn’t quite ready to return. The Lakers had no problem taking care of business against the Wizards without Reaves, but it definitely would be nice to get him back for the big matchup with the Knicks on Sunday.
If he isn’t feeling 100% when he wakes up for the game though, then the Lakers won’t hesitate to keep him out a little longer with his long-term health in mind. If the Lakers are gonna make any noise this season, then they will need a healthy Reaves for the stretch run and postseason. In the meantime, the team would be able to manage as Luka Doncic, LeBron James and role players have been stepping up in recent weeks to keep them afloat.
Lakers-Knicks is most expensive ticket since Kobe Bryant’s finale
There is a ton of intrigue surrounding the Lakers’ game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden as it is reportedly the most expensive NBA ticket for a regular-season game since the final game of Kobe Bryant’s career.
There are a number of reasons for this with Reaves’ potential return being among them. While the Lakers playing at Madison Square Garden always comes with added intrigue, this also could be James’ final game in the historic arena, which is why a lot of people want to be there to see it.
James has been uncertain about when he will retire but has made it a point to take in the moment in all road arenas this season, and Madison Square Garden will certainly be no different as he has been open over the years about how much he enjoys playing there.
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