Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
It’s been 3 weeks since Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 left oblique injury, and his return to action is on the horizon. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Austin Reaves planned on making a return in Game 3 but will instead sit out for tonight. He’ll look to return for Game 4.
Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The undermanned Lakers have started the series 2-0 against the Houston Rockets and have looked like the more aggressive and complete team so far. LeBron James has led the charge, doing a bit of everything. But the contributions from Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton have been a huge reason to the Lakers leading the series.
Luke Kennard is averaging 25 points per game on an absurdly efficient 82.2% true shooting. He had already reached his playoff career high in Game 1 and continues to flourish in the role JJ Redick has placed him in. Marcus Smart is averaging 20 points a game, 7.5 assists and 50% from three.
Rui Hachimura, who is the NBA’s all-time playoff three-point percentage shooter, is also shooting 50% from three on 13.5 points a game. And Deandre Ayton’s defense on the interior against Alperen Sengun has been spectacular, holding him to just 38.5% shooting from the field.
The Series So Far
The Lakers defense, which was consistently in question all season, has been fantastic in the first two games. They have the fourth-best defensive rating in the playoffs two games in. The Rockets offense hasn’t been able to get any lift off the ground. They’ve yet to score over 100 points in the series. They shot 40% from the field and 24% from three in Game 2.
Kevin Durant in Game 2 had 9 turnovers and had only 1 made shot in the entire second half. The Lakers, again, threw a ton of double teams Durant’s way and Houston had no counter. Very reminiscent of the two games we saw in March between these clubs.
While Houston has so far handedly won the rebound battle as expected, they still can’t generate good looks despite the second chances. The Lakers have been uber efficient this series, making their threes, getting good looks in and around the paint. The Lakers haven’t even taken care of the ball all that well either and Houston hasn’t capitalized.
Houston’s lack of guard-play, playmaking and shot creation outside of Kevin Durant has really shown. They haven’t knocked down their threes or have been able to sustain consistent offense for long stretches.
Injury Updates for Game 3 in Houston
The Houston Rockets have officially ruled out Kevin Durant for tonight’s Game 3 matchup due to swelling in his ankle that he sustained late in Game 2. That’s two of the first three games of the series without KD for Houston. Austin Reaves has also been officially ruled out for Game 3 as he continues to work his way back from an oblique strain.
The Lakers have been a good road team all year. They’ve won their last two games at the Toyota Center and look to win a pivotal Game 3 in Houston.
Hello there! I’m Tyler. Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was a small kid and I’ve … More about Tyler Bazan Tags: 2026 NBA Playoffs alperen sengun Austin Reaves DeAndre Ayton game 2 Game 3 Houston Rockets kevin durant Lakers LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers luke kennard Marcus Smart nba NBA Playoffs rui hachimura toyota center