Lakers Vs. Rockets Game 5 Preview: Will Austin Reaves Return?

The series between the Lakers and Rockets shifts back to LA for Game 5 on Wednesday. The Lakers will once again look to eliminate Houston from the playoffs.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

When: 7 p.m. PT, Apr. 29

Where: Crypto.com Arena

Watch: ESPN

The Lakers suffered their first postseason loss last Sunday, and it wasn’t all that surprising. Being on the road on the verge of sweeping a fifth-seeded opponent, it was expected that the Rockets would show some pride and play their best game yet — and they did.

Houston clamped down on Los Angeles and forced them into a series-high 23 turnovers. It also didn’t help that the Lakers had their worst shooting performance yet, going 5-22 from the field. It was very much a one-sided event.

That’s why in Game 5, the Lakers will be ready to execute some adjustments. One of which is the potential return of Austin Reaves, who will suit up for the first time since his injury in early April. Reaves is considered a game-time decision for this one, but it sure sounds like he’s determined to get out there.

Besides Reaves’ return, there’s certainly going to be motivation for the purple and gold to close this one out, not only because the series has gotten more physical and chippy, but they also know that the Oklahoma City Thunder are waiting for them in the second round.

A better performance from everyone across the board, especially LeBron James, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart, would put them in a position to win this one.

The Lakers have to find ways to control Alperen Şengün and make sure the Rockets don’t shoot 40% from the 3-point line again. It’ll help that Kevin Durant is officially ruled out for this one, so this game will pretty much be about defense for the purple and gold.

Perhaps the Lakers have also taken notice of how the Rockets have been talking as of late, and that might just be the extra motivation they need.

On Wednesday, we’ll see which team is better, and hopefully it’ll be the Lakers who come out on top.

Notes and Updates

• The Lakers’ injury report lists Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) as questionable, while Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) remains out.
• As for the Rockets, Fred VanVleet (ACL surgery), Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) and Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) are noted as out.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.