Austin Reaves Optimistic for Game 5 Return After 4-Week Oblique Injury

Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic to return to action for Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest, but there's significant hope around his status, barring a setback. He has progressed in his rehab over the last one to two weeks, from one-on-one workouts to larger group scrimmages, sources said. He hasn't played since suffering the injury on April 2, missing the final five games of the regular season and the first four playoff games against the Rockets. Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists this season while shooting 49% from the field and 36% from 3-point range. The Lakers, who lead the Rockets 3-1, will host Game 5 on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET, ESPN) with a chance to advance to the second round with a win.