Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets is shaping as a pivotal moment in the series, and it may come down to who is available.
Both Austin Reaves and Kevin Durant have been officially listed as questionable, casting uncertainty over two key pieces on either side.
Reaves, who has been sidelined since early April, is working his way back from a Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered against Oklahoma City. His recovery has progressed steadily, with head coach JJ Redick outlining the next steps in his return.
Reaves began his return-to-play program earlier this week, starting with 1-on-1 on-court work Tuesday, Lakers coach JJ Redick said after practice.
The 27-year-old guard was enjoying a breakout season prior to the injury, averaging a career-high 23.3 points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range, along with 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
It would be a huge bonus for the Lakers to get their starting guard in Reaves in Game 3.
On the other side, Durant’s status remains just as uncertain. The 37-year-old is dealing with a sprained left ankle after already managing a right knee issue earlier in the series.
He returned in Game 2 and led Houston with 23 points, but struggled down the stretch as the Lakers took control.
His second-half performance, just three points and a string of turnovers, highlighted the defensive pressure applied by Los Angeles, something Houston will be looking to adjust heading into Game 3.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are still without Luka Doncic, who remains out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in the same game as Reaves’ injury.
Despite those absences, Los Angeles managed to hold its position late in the regular season, though the injuries ultimately saw them slip from the third seed to fourth in the Western Conference standings.
There was at least some positive news on the injury front, with forward Jake LaRavia avoiding serious damage after rolling his ankle in Game 2.
Redick provided a brief update following team practice.
“He’s dealing with a very low grade, minor right ankle sprain,” Redick said, adding that imaging showed no significant issues.
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