For the third consecutive matchup, Los Angeles SG Austin Reaves is questionable for tonight’s Lakers vs. Rockets battle in Game 5, which tips off at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Reaves has yet to return from an oblique injury that’s held him out since April 5. Will one of the Lakers’ leading scorers finally return to the rotation on Wednesday, April 29?
Lakers SG Luke Kennard has thrived with 17.8 PPG during Reaves’ absence in this series. Pick More or Less for Luke Kennard’s 12.5 points projection today on PrizePicks.
Below, we'll break down the latest Austin Reaves injury update and who to target on PrizePicks if he remains out on Wednesday night.
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Austin Reaves Injury Update: Is Reaves Playing Tonight vs. Rockets?
The NBA injury report brings the usual designation for Reaves, listing him as questionable with an oblique strain.
However, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided a positive report this morning.
Charania stated he expects Reaves to play tonight, barring any setbacks. If that’s the case, he finished the regular season with a career-high 23.3 PPG and would bring a huge scoring boost to the Lakers’ lineup.
If Reaves is active, pick more or less for his 17.5 points projection today on PrizePicks.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Reaves is Out?
According to PrizePicks Team Picks, the Lakers are a 3.5-point favorite on the spread for tonight. With a 3-1 series lead, Los Angeles is looking to advance to the conference semifinals.
If Reaves cannot go, who could step up to help L.A. grab a win? Keep in mind G Luka Doncic remains out with a hamstring strain.
Lakers F LeBron James (+8.5%), SG Luke Kennard (+5.9%), and PG Marcus Smart (4.8%) see the largest increases in usage rate when Reaves and Luka are off the court, per FantasyLabs. Through four playoff games, LeBron (21.5 PPG), Kennard (17.8 PPG), and Smart (17.5 PPG) lead the lineup in scoring. However, all three players posted 10 points or less in Game 4.
Los Angeles C Deandre Ayton increased his production by totaling 19 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday. But that comes after only 4.0 PPG over Games 2 and 3.
Here are the Lakers players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Reaves is out — and their stat projections for Wednesday.
- F LeBron James — 23.5 Points / 39.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 46.5 Fantasy Score
- SG Luke Kennard — 12.5 Points / 19.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 5 3-pointers Attempted
- PG Marcus Smart — 11.5 Points / 18.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 4 Assists
If Reaves is active, Kennard will likely exit the starting lineup. With that said, he becomes a clear target when Reaves is out. In fact, he’s recorded 39.5 minutes and 11.5 shots per game vs. the Rockets, compared to 23.0 minutes and 6.3 field goal attempts per contest in the regular season.
Pick More or Less Rockets vs. Lakers player stats on PrizePicks now before 10:00 p.m. ET tip.
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As the Lakers’ second-leading scorer from the regular season, Reaves would bring a major boost to the lineup. Kennard, the 3-point specialist, stands out as a potential target for NBA picks if Reaves sits out once again.
Don't wait until lock — make your Rockets vs. Lakers picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.
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