Should Lakers Play Austin Reaves in Game 5 vs. Houston Rockets?

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is a game-time decision for Wednesday’s Game 5 matchup against the Houston Rockets, according to reports. Reaves has been sidelined since April 2 with a left oblique strain, but expressed optimism about his potential return during a media availability on Tuesday.

The Lakers currently lead the best-of-seven first-round series 3-1, after losing Game 4 in Houston on Sunday. Reaves stated, “I feel good,” adding, “As far as what we’re doing, we’re in a good spot. 3-1 back [at] home, so we’ve got a good opportunity [on Wednesday]. So we’ll see.”

Reaves indicated his playing status will depend on how his body feels. “Just how my body feels,” he said when asked what would determine his availability. The oblique strain typically requires a recovery period of 4-6 weeks.

Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of a player feeling confident in their body before returning from an injury, noting the “psychological component of it.” Reaves echoed this sentiment, stating, “That’s what we said at first…you have to be comfortable with your body and what you can do to go out there and help us be successful.”

Reaves has been a key contributor for the Lakers this season, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 51 games. He also missed 19 consecutive games earlier in the season with a strained left calf.

The team’s training complex saw Reaves’ first media appearance since sustaining the oblique injury. He expressed his eagerness to return to the court as quickly as possible, saying, “I want to get back out there as fast as I can. But like I said, I feel good and trending in the right direction and can’t wait to wake up [on Wednesday] and attack another day.”

Wednesday’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m. At Crypto.com Arena.