Austin Reaves hoped to return to the court for the Los Angeles Lakers during their long trip away from LA.
A couple of weeks ago, Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed that Reaves would be on the road with the team, and they were targeting a return to action this week. Some rumors hinted that Reaves could be back on Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. That wasn't the case.
When the Lakers paid a visit to the Washington Wizards on Friday, Reaves was questionable on the injury report, alongside Luka Doncic. The latter player was cleared for action. Reaves was not, which raised some concerns.
Redick insisted that no setback was in play. The Lakers wanted to remain extremely cautious with Reaves, as he deals with a calf-related setback. The veteran guard was once again listed as questionable for Sunday's action on the road against the New York Knicks.
Will Reaves Return Against the Knicks?
For the Lakers, Reaves’ calf is still a concern. While he got some warmups in, viewed as a game-time decision, the Lakers ultimately ruled out the veteran guard for the night.
The last time the Lakers had Reaves on the court was during their Christmas Day matchup against the Houston Rockets. He started, but only checked in for roughly 15 minutes of action. After going 5-8 from the field to score 12 points, Reaves' night concluded, as the Lakers lost to the Rockets.
The team would take another loss, as Reaves was ruled out for at least four weeks of action.
After missing Friday's game against the Wizards, Reaves was out for 18 in a row. Since the Lakers have fired up their road trip, they have gone 4-2.
Earlier in the year, Reaves was off to a hot start with the Lakers. The team went 15-8 in games he played.
In 23 games, Reaves shot 50 percent from the field and knocked down 36 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. He scored 26.6 points per game, while coming down with 5.2 rebounds, and dishing out 6.3 assists.
The Lakers are searching for their 30th win on the road at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. Sitting with a 29-18 record, the Lakers are placed sixth in the Western Conference. They are attempting to jump the 31-19 Minnesota Timberwolves, while playing a hot Knicks team that has won its last five games.
With Reaves out, the Lakers are now eyeing a potential return on Tuesday in Brooklyn.
Newsweek