Reaves Eyes Crucial Game 5 Comeback
Austin Reaves’ comeback from a strained oblique will be decided close to tip-off on Wednesday night, after he has been sidelined for nearly four weeks. The Los Angeles Lakers will assess his condition right up to game time as he looks to rejoin the lineup during their first-round playoff series against Houston.
Key Highlights
- Austin Reaves’ return remains uncertain, with the Lakers set to decide his availability just before Game 5 after nearly four weeks out with a strained oblique.
- Reaves is optimistic about his recovery, saying he feels “good” and is “trending in the right direction” as he pushes to rejoin the lineup.
- Lakers have excelled without their key scorers, winning three straight games in the absence of both Reaves and Luka Dončić, with strong team-wide performances led by LeBron James.
- Injury concerns affect both sides of the matchup, as Houston’s Kevin Durant has also missed multiple games, adding further uncertainty heading into Game 5.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his injury on April 2 in Oklahoma City, Reaves struck an optimistic but measured tone. “I want to get back out there as fast as I can,” Reaves said at the Lakers’ training complex. “I feel good. Trending in the right direction. I can’t wait to get up (Wednesday) and attack another day.” Despite being listed as questionable in recent games, he ultimately did not feature as the Lakers took a 3-1 series lead.
Lakers remain cautious as Redick keeps plans open
Head coach JJ Redick offered no clear indication of how the Lakers are leaning, stating that Reaves’ availability will simply depend on whether he is fully ready to play. The team continues to evaluate his condition without committing to a final decision ahead of Game 5.
Reaves has dealt with multiple injury setbacks this season but has maintained a steady mindset throughout. He averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games, missing time earlier in the year due to both the oblique strain and a separate calf injury. Even during the game he was injured, he immediately sensed its severity given his usual tolerance for pain.
Lakers thriving without key scorers
Since Reaves and Luka Dončić went down with injuries in the same game, the Lakers have managed to exceed expectations behind strong team performances. Reaves said the group has fully embraced the challenge of staying competitive in their absence.
“Basically the message from that day forward was that they were going to do everything as a team to give us an opportunity to come back and play, and they’ve done exactly what they said,” Reaves said. LeBron James and company responded by winning three straight games and pushing Houston to the brink, including an overtime comeback in Game 3.
Opposing injury concerns add uncertainty to Game 5
Reaves has been closely following the team’s run alongside Dončić, even as both remain sidelined for now. He praised the squad’s energy, focus, and unity during the playoff stretch, saying it has been inspiring to watch from the outside.
“It’s been a lot of fun, just seeing the determination, the togetherness, and just the joy of them playing basketball together (and) competing every single possession,” Reaves said. Meanwhile, Houston may also be shorthanded, with star Kevin Durant missing multiple games due to injury and absent from practice ahead of Game 5, adding further uncertainty to the matchup.
