Charania: Austin Reaves expected to return for Game 4 vs Rockets

To the surprise of most, things have gone very well for the Los Angeles Lakers so far in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets. They have scratched and clawed their way to a 3-0 series lead after a gritty 112-108 overtime win in Game 3 on Friday, and things are apparently about to get even better for them.

Austin Reaves, who has been out since sustaining an oblique strain on April 2, was abruptly listed as questionable for Game 3. He went through his pre-game preparations before the decision was made to hold him out of action.

But according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Reaves is expected to make his return in Game 4 on Sunday.

"When you look at the Lakers-Rockets series, Austin Reaves is on his way," Charania said on Friday before the start of Game 3. "He's getting closer to coming back from a Grade 2 oblique injury. My understanding is, Austin Reaves is trying to play in Game 3 tonight. If not Game 3, then Game 4. He started on-court work in the last several days. He's progressed through it. There's been no setbacks. You think about the timeline that Austin Reaves had earlier this month — four to six weeks. He definitely has a chance to beat that by a hair."

Needless to say, Reaves' return will take plenty of pressure off his teammates. He will give Los Angeles not only a big scoring threat but also another ball-handler and facilitator. Over the last few weeks, LeBron James, at age 41, has reverted to his old role as L.A.'s main scorer and facilitator, while sharpshooter has played on the ball much more than he is accustomed to.