Is Austin Reaves playing tonight? Lakers vs. Rockets 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 5 injury report

The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to close out the Houston Rockets during Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday. They could welcome back star guard Austin Reaves during the matchup.

Reaves is questionable on Wednesday after missing the first four games of the series due to a muscle strain in his left oblique.

The Lakers listed Reaves as questionable for their Game 4 loss to the Rockets before ruling him out. However, there’s optimism that the 27-year-old could make his return during Game 5.

Austin Reaves injury status vs. Rockets

ESPN’s Shams Charania hinted that Reaves could be trending towards playing on Wednesday.

“I’m told there is optimism he’s going to be able to make it back into the lineup for Game 5. Barring any setbacks, he’s going to be a game-time decision,” Charania said.

Meanwhile, Reaves said on Tuesday that he’s trending in the right direction.

“JJ specifically was like, ‘You have to be comfortable with your body and what you can do to go out there and help us be successful,’” Reaves told ClutchPoints’ David Yapkowitz. “I want to get out there as fast as I can … I feel good, trending in the right direction. I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and attack another day.”

Reaves averaged 23.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists on .490/.360/.871 shooting splits across 51 appearances this season. His return would provide a significant boost to a Lakers offense that is already without leading scorer Luka Doncic.

If the Lakers can close out the Rockets in one of the next three games, they’ll move on to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.

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