
LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
about 8 hours ago
Reaves was a game-time decision in Games 3 and 4, but this latest update from Shams bodes well for Reaves’ return. With the Lakers looking to close out the series and move on to face the Thunder, Reaves’ return could come at just the right time.
Source: Shams Charania

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
1 day ago
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee show, Charania noted that Reaves - who was considered questionable for Game 4 - could get back on the court Wednesday when the Lakers return home for Game 5 against the Rockets. The Lakers went up three games to nil before getting blown out in Game 4. Reaves could be the catalyst the team needs to complete the gentleman’s sweep and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Source: Shams Charania

LAL • Point Guard and Shooting Guard • #77
1 day ago
LA is up 3-1 with Game 5 back at crypto.com Arena. Even if the series goes the distance, Dončić will not return to the court sooner than the Western Conference semifinals. Until the superstar returns, the Lakers will continue to pick up the slack using a committee approach.
Source: Shams Charania

LAL • Power Forward • #28
2 days ago
Hachimura shot the ball well in Game 4, making 60 percent of his attempts. However, it wasn’t enough on a night when the Lakers’ high scorer, Deandre Ayton, was ejected halfway through the third quarter and only three starters finished in double figures. Hachimura and the Lakers will look to close out the series on Wednesday when they host Game 5.

LAL • Small Forward, Power Forward, Point Guard, Center, and Shooting Guard • #23
2 days ago
As well as James played in the first three games of this series, he struggled mightily in Game 4. The Rockets were far more effective defensively on Sunday, harassing James into eight turnovers and a 2-of-9 night from the field. LeBron and the Lakers head home for Game 5 on Wednesday, which may be enough time for Austin Reaves to return from his oblique injury. If so, that would be of immense help to James and the Lakers as they look to close out the series.

HOU • Forward • #17
2 days ago
Eason was one of four Rockets to record at least three steals in Game 4, and the team finished with a staggering 19 on the night. His five steals were a playoff career-high for the Rockets forward, who also rebounded nicely from poor shooting in Games 2 and 3. In those defeats, Eason totaled 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field. And with Kevin Durant (ankle) injured, Houston can’t afford to have Eason struggling with his shot. They’ll hope that he can carry his Game 4 performance into Game 5 on Wednesday.

HOU • G • #15
2 days ago
While Game 4 was the third time in this series that Sheppard finished with 17 points, he was far more efficient than in Games 1 and 3. The second-year guard shot 50 percent from the field on Sunday, compared to 6-of-20 in Game 1 and 6-of-21 in Game 3. Add in the assists, three-pointers and steals, and Sheppard had a good night when the Rockets needed him most. Sheppard has recorded three steals in back-to-back games, and he kept the turnovers in check in Game 4 after racking up five in the Rockets’ Game 3 defeat. How much he’ll play in Game 5 on Wednesday depends on the availability of Kevin Durant (ankle), who did not play in Games 3 or 4.

HOU • Center • #28
2 days ago
Şengün was one of five Rockets starters to finish the Game 4 victory in double figures, and he’s scored at least 19 points in all four games. The Rockets’ center was not as productive as he was in Game 3, but Şengün’s receiving help from multiple teammates factored into Houston’s ability to extend the series to Game 5. Over the last two games, he has shot a combined 21-of-39 from the field, totaling 52 points, while also accounting for 22 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocked shots.

HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 days ago
Thompson and the Rockets avoided the sweep with a commanding victory in Game 4, with their defense leading the way. Houston forced 23 turnovers on the night, leading to 30 points off turnovers. Add in 23 fast break points, and the Rockets were able to coast to a 19-point victory. Thompson, who logged 41 minutes, led the way offensively in both points and assists, and he has totaled 49 points over the last two games. The Rockets will need similar production in Game 5 on Wednesday.

LAL • Center • #2
2 days ago
Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a forearm that he delivered to the head of Rockets center Alperen Şengün. The Lakers center played 25 minutes, finishing with 19 points (9-of-12 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), 10 rebounds and one blocked shot. Ayton’s early exit, the first of his NBA career, means more playing time for Jaxson Hayes.

LAL • Shooting Guard • #15
2 days ago
While there was hope that Reaves would be available for Game 4, the Lakers’ 3-0 series lead may have factored into the decision to keep him out. Luke Kennard will remain in the starting lineup, and he has been productive throughout this series.
Source: Khobi Price

HOU • Forward • #35
2 days ago
With their season on the line, the Rockets will go into Game 4 without their leading scorer. Despite around-the-clock treatment, the veteran wing has not been cleared to play through an injury that would likely sideline him for multiple weeks during the regular season. Reed Sheppard is in line to make another start, and the Rockets will need increased offensive production from Alperen Şengün.
Source: Shams Charania