Getty
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play the Houston Rockets (at home) in California for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.
The Lakers have a 3-1 lead in the series, but are coming off a 115-96 loss in Game 4.
Lakers Announce Injury Report
GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach JJ Redick during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
UPDATE: Austin Reaves is available (via ESPN’s Shams Charania).
For Game 5, the Lakers have officially announced their injury report.
Luka Doncic remains ruled out, but Austin Reaves is being listed as questionable for the third straight game.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Austin Reaves (oblique) officially questionable for Wednesday.”
Reaves last played in a game on April 2.
He finished the regular season with averages of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 49.0% from the field and 36.0% from three-point range in 51 games.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote on Tuesday morning: “Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources tell ESPN. Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest.”
GettyLuka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
There is no question that the Lakers have had an impressive start to the 2026 NBA playoffs considering they are without Reaves and Doncic.
Last season, with both players healthy, they lost in the first round (to the Minnesota Timberwolves).
Looking Back At Game 4
GettyLakers head coach JJ Redick speaks to the media during a Lakers practice at UCLA Health Training Center on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in El Segundo, CA.
After taking each of the first three games, the Lakers struggled in Game 4.
LeBron James finished with just ten points, four rebounds, nine assists and eight turnovers while shooting 2/9 from the field and 0/3 from three-point range in 33 minutes of playing time.
Jovan Buha wrote after Game 4: “Final: Rockets 115, Lakers 96 LA is blown out to make this a 3-1 series. Houston led for 80% of the game after LA led for 80% of each of the first three games. Their 24 turnovers were killers. Houston has generated momentum over the past six quarters. Up next: Game 5 on Weds.”
Meanwhile, the Rockets were led by Amen Thompson.
He finished with 23 points, four rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 10/16 from the field in 41 minutes of playing time.
Whoever wins the series will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
