Lakers' Reaves could return for game three against Rockets

TL;DR

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers is now 'questionable' for game three against the Phoenix Suns after recovering from an oblique muscle strain. The Lakers lead the series 2-0 as they head to Phoenix for the next game.

Key points

Austin Reaves upgraded to 'questionable' for game three
Lakers lead series 2-0 against the Suns
Kevin Durant downgraded to 'questionable' with an ankle injury

Luka DoncicLos Angeles LakersPhoenix SunsAustin Reaves

Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers has been upgraded to 'questionable' for game three of the Lakers' NBA playoff series against the Phoenix Suns after being sidelined by an oblique muscle strain (Kenneth Richmond) (Kenneth Richmond/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) The Los Angeles Lakers, up 2-0 on the Phoenix Suns in their first-round NBA playoff series, could have Austin Reaves back from injury in game three. Reaves has been sidelined by an oblique muscle injury since April 4, a devastating late-season blow to a Lakers team that also saw league-leading scorer Luka Doncic sidelined with a hamstring strain. Nevertheless, with 41-year-old LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers won the first two games at home in their best-of-seven Western Conference series and will try to press their advantage as the series shifts to Phoenix on Friday. Reaves, who averaged a career-high 23.3 points per game in the regular season, was upgraded to "questionable" on the Lakers' Thursday evening injury report, and Suns star Kevin Durant was downgraded to "questionable" with a sprained left ankle. Durant, who arrived in Houston from Phoenix last July as part of a blockbuster seven-team deal, was a late scratch from game one with a bruised knee. He returned for game two but struggled in the second half, scoring just three of his team-high 23 points after the break and finishing with nine turnovers as the Lakers double-teamed him relentlessly. The series was billed as a renewal of the James-Durant rivalry, which stretches back to 2008 and includes three clashes in the NBA Finals. bb/js

Q&A

Is Austin Reaves playing in game three against the Suns?

Austin Reaves has been upgraded to 'questionable' for game three, indicating he may return from injury.

What is the status of Kevin Durant for game three?

Kevin Durant has been downgraded to 'questionable' due to a sprained left ankle.

What is the current series score between the Lakers and Suns?

The Los Angeles Lakers currently lead the series 2-0 against the Phoenix Suns.