Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is sidelined for Sunday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns due to a left heel contusion and a bone bruise. The injury was sustained during a transition dunk attempt against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Lakers enter Sunday’s contest carrying a seven-game win streak, holding an 11-2 record that places them second in the Western Conference. This matchup wraps up a four-game road trip before the team returns home on Tuesday. Los Angeles currently ranks first in the league in offensive rating but sits 17th defensively.
The Phoenix Suns return home after concluding a seven-game homestand where they went 4-2. The Suns hold a 5-6 record, sitting 11th in the West after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 101-96 in their last outing. Phoenix ranks 17th in offense and 26th in defense.
Reaves Remains Day-To-Day After Negative X-Rays
Reaves entered Wednesday’s action averaging 25.3 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the field. Los Angeles owns a 125.2 offensive rating with Reaves on the floor this season, a number that drops to 108.7 when he sits.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the media after Wednesday’s game regarding the guard’s condition. “X-rays came back negative and the team had ruled out an Achilles injury,” Redick announced on Friday that Reaves is considered day-to-day.
With Reaves out, the Lakers are expected to adjust their starting lineup. Los Angeles will likely start Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Mattise Thybulle, and Jake LaRavia. Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes is available for Sunday’s game while wearing a right finger splint after missing the last two contests.
Suns Adjust Rotation Ahead of Division Rivalry
The Suns face their own rotation adjustments as they prepare for the first of four meetings between the two division rivals. Phoenix will start Devin Booker, Oso Ighodaro, Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, and Jalen Green.
Collin Sexton remains questionable for the Suns with a right orbital laceration, while Adou Thiero is questionable due to a left ankle sprain. Cameron Carr and Mark Williams are both out for Phoenix, with Williams continuing his recovery following left shoulder surgery undergone in September.
