The Los Angeles Lakers released an updated injury report for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets, which still Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) unavailable. Such is the case for Kevin Durant, who is out for Game 4 as well because of a bone bruise in his sprained left ankle.
Reaves was originally listed as questionable heading into Game 3, and head coach JJ Redick revealed that the guard could be making a return in the near future.
April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder holds plenty of negative baggage, as Reaves sustained his injury during that game along with Luka Doncic straining his left hamstring. Bringing a player back during the playoffs can be difficult due to the variance of play compared to the regular season and not much grace to ease themselves back into the swing of things.
The Lakers medical staff has been cautious with their handling of injuries this year and they would not put Reaves in a position where he can hurt himself again. It can be presumed the Lakers holding a 3-0 series lead potentially factored into the decision to have Reaves miss one more game.
It is worth mentioning that the 27-year-old may not be fully 100%, but he is a competitor and wants to help his team win. However, the training staff needs to be mindful of how Reaves feels and make sure he is not going to be compromised against a physical Rockets team.
A potential scenario for Reaves would be to come in when LeBron James needs a breather. When James sits, Houston tends to make their runs, and Reaves could provided some much needed stability offensively and allow for their 41-year-old star to potentially rest longer.
Redick spoke to how it was the team’s job to extend their season to allow for Reaves and Doncic to make their respective returns. To the team’s credit, they have pulled off an improbable 3-0 series lead and possess the opportunity to be the first team to advance to the second round.
With the reigning champion Thunder looming, it makes sense to give Reaves minutes to get a feel for playing five-on-five basketball again. By playing today, potentially closing out the series, the Lakers can get a chance to rest and possibly fully re-integrate their two leading scorers before next round.
LeBron James cancelled golfing after Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves injuries
When it was announced Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined indefinitely due to injury, it felt like a gut punch for the Lakers. Especially ahead of the playoffs, where they built positive momentum and put themselves in position to make a potential deep postseason run.
For James, he knew the magnitude of the situation with his backcourt duo out, as he cancelled a golf round to lock in for the playoffs and it paid off in a major way.
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