Austin

Reaves

While Luka Doncic went off for 37 points, Reaves and LeBron James combined to score 35 in Saturday’s Game 1 defeat. And this wasn’t the easiest matchup for Reaves during the regular season. In three meetings with the Timberwolves, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Reaves is one of many Lakers who will need to bring more to the table if they’re to win this series. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Lakers aiming to even the series before it shifts to Minneapolis.

With the Lakers securing the third seed in the West with a win over Houston on Friday, most of their key rotation players will not play in Portland. Doncic and Reaves are sitting, freeing additional rotation minutes for Jordan Goodwin. Goodwin is considered probable for Sunday’s game, so he should be available and is worth rostering in active leagues. Bronny James may also play extended minutes due to the Lakers’ lengthy injury report.

Reaves and the Lakers were excellent on Friday, shooting nearly 61 percent from the field. Reaves made 66.7 percent of his attempts, finishing one block shy of a complete stat line. With Friday’s victory securing the three-seed for the Western Conference playoffs, it’s possible that Reaves does not play in Sunday’s regular season finale in Portland. If he gets the day off, Jordan Goodwin (3/6/3 with one three-pointer) and Gabe Vincent (one rebound, one assist and one steal) are two players whose playing time would increase.

This was the fourth-straight game that Reaves has scored at least 20 points and the seventh time in his last eight games that he has reached that mark. He has also averaged 5.8 threes per game over his last four appearances. Reaves has solidified his role as the Lakers’ third option and has thrived in it. He’ll look to stay hot against the Mavericks on Wednesday, though all eyes will be on Luka Doncic in his return to Dallas. Reaves had 20 points against the Mavs in February.

No surprises here as both Reaves and Finney-Smith were upgraded to probable Tuesday afternoon. Reaves had 20 points in the win over the Thunder on Sunday. Finney-Smith figures to move into the starting lineup Tuesday with Rui Hachimura (knee) already ruled out.

The Lakers had five players initially listed as questionable, and all of them have been upgraded to probable. Reaves had 20 points in a big win over Oklahoma City on Sunday and will continue to start in the rematch. DFS will likely slide into the starting lineup with Rui Hachimura (knee) sidelined.

Reaves and Finney-Smith are two of the five Lakers rotation players considered questionable for Tuesday’s game. With Rui Hachimura (knee) out, the latter will likely start if he can play. Gabe Vincent could be a replacement in the starting lineup if Reaves sits, but he is also questionable for Tuesday.

The Lakers finished Sunday’s victory with six double-digit scorers, including Reaves. He’s scored at least 20 points in three straight games and six of his last seven. Over the past two weeks, Reaves has provided top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Managers in leagues that will be active next week who have him rostered will be pleased that the Lakers play four games during Week 23. They begin their final week of the regular season with a rematch with Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Reaves has had back-to-back games with at least 30 points buoyed by magnificent three-point shooting efforts. He’s 15-of-25 from behind the three-point line over the last two nights. The 26-year-old shooting guard now has at least 30 points in four of his last five games. Reaves has provided third-round fantasy value on the season, but he’s been even better lately. He’s peaking at the right time for fantasy managers.

Reaves’ breakout season continued on Thursday, and he added another milestone to his special year. Though it wasn’t enough for the Lakers to get the win, Reaves set a new career-high for three-pointers made in a game. He only had 12 points in their last game against Houston, but Reaves has now scored at least 30 points in three of the Lakers’ last four games. Over the course of the season, he has provided third-round value in nine-cat leagues and has been a first-rounder of the past two months. He will be an intriguing player heading into fantasy drafts next season.