Austin Reaves’ Could Play Multiple Games Against Rockets After Injury Recovery

One of two injured stars for the Los Angeles Lakers could return in time for potential deciding games against the Houston Rockets in these NBA playoffs.

Austin Reaves, who’s been out since the beginning of the month with a strained oblique, is back working out on the court, as reported by Reuters.

Mar 8, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15, right) smiles on the bench prior to the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Given the days off between Lakers and Rockets games — Game 3 is Friday — there’s time for Reaves to return for Games 6 and 7.

That falls within the four-week expected recovery time for Reaves, though the Lakers’ other star remains sidelined for a bit more.

When will Luka Doncic return for the Lakers?

The other injured Lakers star, Luka Doncic, is believed to have suffered a more severe injury when he hurt his hamstring at about the same time Reaves was hurt.

With his recovery time expected to be closer to six weeks, it seems that Doncic won’t be able to return until at least the second round — if the Lakers make it that far.

The Lakers were heavy underdogs coming into this series, but with tough defense and , they’ve taken a 2-0 series lead.