Game 3 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets looks like a pivotal moment in the series, and it may come down to who is available.
Both Austin Reaves and Kevin Durant are officially listed as questionable, putting uncertainty over two key pieces on both sides.
Reaves, who has been sidelined since early April, is working his way back from a Grade 2 concussion against Oklahoma City. His recovery has been slow, with head coach JJ Redick explaining the next steps in his return.
Reaves began his return to action earlier this week, starting 1-on-1 on the court Tuesday, Lakers coach JJ Redick said after practice.
The 27-year-old guard was enjoying a breakout season before 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 point guard in Reaves in Game 3.
On the other hand, Durant’s status remains uncertain. The 37-year-old is dealing with a left ankle problem after dealing with a right knee problem earlier in the series.
He returned in Game 2 and led Houston with 23 points, but struggled as the Lakers took over.
His second-half performance, just three points and a series of turnovers, highlighted the defensive pressure applied by Los Angeles, something Houston will be looking to fix to get past Game 3.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are still without Luka Doncic, who is out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the same game as Reaves’ injury.
Despite this absence, Los Angeles was able to hold onto its position at the end of the regular season, although injuries eventually dropped it from the third seed to the fourth in the Western Conference standings.
At least there was some good news on the injured front, with forward Jake LaRavia avoiding major damage after rolling his ankle in Game 2.
Redick gave a brief update after the team’s practice.
“He’s dealing with a very low grade, small right ankle,” Redick said, adding that imaging showed no significant issues.
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