The LA Lakers continue to navigate a challenging stretch before the NBA All-Star break, and all eyes are once again on Austin Reaves’ status heading into Tuesday’s second night of a back-to-back matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
Reaves has been playing under minute restrictions since his return from calf issues and a 19-game absence. He played his most minutes off the bench in Monday’s 119-110 loss to the OKC Thunder. He finished with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, seven assists and two rebounds in the loss.
In the previous three games, he logged 24, 25 and 21 minutes. It was the spark that the Lakers had been looking for, and having Reaves back in the fold gave the team a boost and some much-needed consistency as it recaptured the identity and style of play it had been seeking. LA won three of the four games since his return, pulling off wins against the Warriors, 76ers and Nets.
Coach JJ Redick didn’t have an update on Reaves on Monday. An update is expected later before the tipoff, but Austin Reaves seems unlikely to play. Reaves is also not the only prominent name who could be missing. The Lakers are also dealing with injuries to Luka Doncic, who is crucial to the Lakers’ offense, and LeBron James, who hasn’t played many back-to-backs this season. Missing either or all three of them would make it difficult for the team to navigate.
Austin Reaves could earn his first All-Star nod
Having already proven himself as one of the Lakers’ top scorers, Reaves could get his first All-Star nod through the reserves. The 27-year-old is one of the strongest candidates to replace Steph Curry, who sidelined himself from participating in the All-Star Game with a knee injury.
His offensive game has always been a strength, and he’s been a key part of the Lakers’ steady offensive play this season. His fluidity on his feet allows him to impact the game on both ends.
In 27 games this season, Reaves is averaging 25.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Read More: San Antonio Spurs vs LA Lakers Prediction, Injury Reports and Odds (Feb. 10)
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