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Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic not playing in Game 4 of Lakers-Rockets series
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- Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic not playing in Game 4 of Lakers-Rockets series
Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic not playing in Game 4 of Lakers-Rockets series appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to complete a shocking first-round sweep of the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic remain on the Lakers’ injury report for Game 4.
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Doncic was ruled out as he continues to rehab a left hamstring strain. However, Reaves was previously questionable after missing the first three games of the series due to a muscle strain in his left oblique.
The Lakers listed Reaves as questionable for Game 3 before ruling him out. JJ Redick told reporters on Saturday that Reaves “was going to get shots up” at the arena.
The 27-year-old returning for Game 4 would offer a significant boost for a Los Angeles offense that has leaned heavily on a 41-year-old LeBron James during the series.
Austin Reaves injury status vs. Rockets
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Lakers will not have Reaves on the floor in Game 4. The team announced that he’s not available for the potential series-clincher, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
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Reaves has been an integral part of the Lakers’ success this season, averaging a career-high 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists on .490/.360/.871 shooting splits across 51 appearances. Los Angeles outscored opponents by 5.0 points more per 100 possessions with him on the court vs. off, per CleaningTheGlass.
Still, the Lakers have to feel good about their chances of closing out the series regardless of whether Reaves returns. No NBA team has ever come back to win a series after trailing 0-3.
Luke Kennard has stepped up in Reaves’ absence, averaging 21.3 points and 3.7 assists while shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 52.9 percent from three. Marcus Smart has also played an integral role, averaging 20.3 points and 8.3 assists while shooting 52.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from three.
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