The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a crucial Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers hold a 2-0 series lead against Houston.
While Game 3 isn't technically a must-win for them, considering that they are short-handed, taking a commanding 3-0 lead is crucial for Los Angeles. Of course, the Rockets are hoping to prevent that by finally getting their offense back on track.
They shot just 38% in Game 1 without superstar Kevin Durant and didn't fare much better with him. Houston connected on just 40% from the field in Game 2 and managed only 94 points. Durant did score 23 points in his return.
Unfortunately for them, he also had nine turnovers with the Lakers double-teaming him. That makes Game 3 pivotal for both teams, but who will play? Next, let's take a look at the Lakers' and Rockets' full injury reports.
Los Angeles Lakers full injury report for Game 3
Everyone wants to know if Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will play Game 3 in Houston. Well, ESPN's Shams Charania recently provided an update. He stated that Doncic isn't expected to return for this series against the Rockets.
The latest on the rehabs of Lakers star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/HA4sfuckrN
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 21, 2026
That is a blow to L.A., but with them successfully defending home court and having a 2-0 lead, all of the pressure is on the Rockets. As for Reaves, if the series were to go six or seven games, then he may be able to return.
According to Shams, Reaves is closer to returning than Doncic is. The best-case scenario for L.A. is that they win Game 3 or Game 4 and close out the series in Game 5 back in Los Angeles.
That might give them enough time to get Reaves back ahead of the second-round and Doncic in the West semi-finals.
Houston Rockets' full injury report for Game 3
As for the Rockets' injury report, they will be without point guard Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. VanVleet hasn't played this season, with him having torn his ACL during the preseason. Adams is also out for the season after having ankle surgery.
Beyond those two, the Rockets should be at full strength ahead of Game 3. They will need all hands on deck if they hope to avoid falling behind 0-3.
All told, the Lakers will be without Doncic and Reaves. Meanwhile, the Rockets will be without VanVleet and Adams. Game 3 tips off at 8:00 pm EST on April 24th, 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google