The Los Angeles Lakers will have another chance to knock the Houston Rockets out of the NBA playoffs when Game 5 of their first-round playoff series takes place on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. After winning the first three contests of the series, the Lakers lost Game 4 by 19 points, and there should be a little more urgency for them on Wednesday.
Once again, they're hoping to get Austin Reaves back from the oblique strain he suffered on April 2. He was listed as questionable for Game 3 and Game 4 and went through pre-game preparations before both matchups, but he was ultimately held out. He's listed yet again as questionable, while Luka Doncic remains out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Lakers’ injury report for Game 5 tomorrow vs. Houston: pic.twitter.com/1fXtQnaYTc
Reaves will be a game-time decision, but he is reportedly "optimistic," per Dave McMenamin of ESPN. If he's cleared to return, it is possible he will be on a minutes restriction.
For the Rockets, superstar Kevin Durant will miss his third straight game with an ankle injury. He had also been unavailable for Game 1 due to a knee contusion. Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams also continue to be out for Houston.
If Houston staves off elimination again, Game 6 will take place on its home court on Friday, May 1. Game 7, if necessary, will be this Sunday, May 3, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers reveal injury report for Game 5 versus Rockets
