The Los Angeles Lakers announced that guard Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain) has been downgraded to out for Game 3 of their first round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Rockets also have ruled out Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) for the second time in this series.
Reaves was surprisingly upgraded to questionable for Game 3 after missing the first two games of the series. While it was confirmed that he had begun on-court work in his recovery, it wasn’t thought that he would be able to make it back this soon. A Grade 2 strain that Reaves is dealing with usually takes around four to six weeks to recover, so it makes sense to give him a little extra time to ensure he is 100%.
Even though the team has been successful without him so far, taking a 2-0 series lead, getting back one of their best scorers and creators will only help the Lakers as these playoffs continue on. Considering he hasn’t done much work on the court though, there is no reason to rush him, especially with Durant out for Houston.
Additionally, it has been more of the same for Luka Doncic, who still hasn’t progressed to on-court work just yet and likely wouldn’t be able to return until the next round of the playoffs if the Lakers are able to advance.
The Lakers’ injury report otherwise is clean as Jake LaRavia was not listed. It had been reported that he suffered an ankle injury, but head coach JJ Redick significantly downplayed the severity of the issue and LaRavia not even being on the report is proof that he was right to do so. LaRavia has been an important piece of the Lakers’ defensive effort against the Rockets.
Speaking of Durant, the Rockets superstar is dealing with a left ankle sprain that took place in Game 2 after suffering a right knee contusion that kept him out of Game 1. With him being ruled out, it will make things that much more difficult for the Rockets to turn this series around in Houston, especially with Reaves back in the lineup for L.A.
Deandre Ayton: JJ Redick, LeBron James not letting Lakers get comfortable
The Lakers are in a good position with a 2-0 series lead over the Rockets, but things are far from over as the series shifts to Houston. And big man Deandre Ayton says that superstar LeBron James and head coach JJ Redick are making it very well known that this team can’t afford to get complacent.
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