The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets as the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5. Los Angeles has controlled the matchup despite playing without two key stars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Both players were injured on April 2 and have been sidelined since.

Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. He was upgraded to questionable before Game 3 but was ultimately ruled out. There was also some optimism that Reaves could return for Game 4, but with the Lakers leading the series 3-0, the team chose to keep him out.

With Game 5 not scheduled until Wednesday, Reaves has a real chance to be available for the Lakers.

Doncic was also injured on April 2, suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Pro Football Doc has maintained that Doncic would not return in the first round and said a second-round return would be the best possible outcome, although when in the second round remains the question.

“Round 2 at best. Round 2 — I’m not saying Game 1 of Round 2. I’m saying Round 2 at best. We always thought there was no way Round 1 for Luka,” he said. “Round 2 at best — is it early Round 2 or late Round 2? That remains to be seen.”

Lakers coach JJ Redick provided an update after Sunday’s game.

“He was able to move a little bit today on the court, which, you know, most of the stuff has been standstill,” Redick said. “So he’s progressing, but no update on any timeline or anything like that.”

If the Rockets extend the series past Wednesday, Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, and Game 7 would be played Sunday.

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