NBA injury update: Is Austin Reaves playing tonight? Los Angeles Lakers star sidelined as team faces setback ahead of Utah Jazz clash

On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to play the Utah Jazz in a Western Conference game. However, owing to a calf problem, their star player Austin Reaves will not play against the Clippers on Saturday, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic.With 27.8 points per game during a breakout start, Reaves is currently the ninth-leading scorer in the NBA. Throughout his five seasons with the Lakers, the former undrafted free agent has worked his way into true greatness. This season, he is generating All-Star chatter while building a productive backcourt with Luka Dončić, who averages 35.0 points.

Austin Reaves sidelined with calf strain as Lakers prepare for road test against Jazz

Due to a mildly strained left calf, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves will be out for at least a week.

According to the schedule the Lakers announced on Friday, Reaves will miss at least the team's next two games.After defeating the Phoenix Suns on the road on Sunday night, Los Angeles has an 18-7 record going into Thursday's match. LeBron James contributed 26 points and four assists to the Lakers' victory over the Suns on Sunday, while Luka Doncic led the way with 29 points and six assists.Reaves will miss his second straight game and will likely be sidelined for at least a week due to a left calf issue, according to Los Angeles.

Reaves will miss his third consecutive game on Saturday due to a Grade 1 left calf strain.

For as long as Reaves is out, Marcus Smart will probably continue to start for the Lakers. Tuesday against the Suns is Reaves' next chance to make a comeback. Los Angeles will now play the Jazz on the road on Thursday night in an attempt to win another game. On the other hand, Utah has a 10-15 record going into Thursday's game after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in overtime at home on Monday.

Lauri Markkanen finished the game with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists, while Keyonte George led the Jazz to victory on Monday with 37 points, five rebounds, and six assists.Both sides may be missing several important players owing to injury, despite the fact that both teams are hoping to win on Thursday night.

Austin Reaves’ absence forces Lakers to reshuffle rotation as injuries continue to test depth

Despite the loss of all three of their greatest players due to injuries, the Lakers are off to a 17-7 start thanks to Reaves' 6.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Nick Smtih Jr. might play more because Reaves is out, especially since Gabe Vincent is listed as questionable due to low back pain. Due to sciatica, LeBron James missed the first 14 games of his historic 23rd NBA season. Reaves missed three games earlier this season, and Dončić missed six due to minor injury management and a brief travel to Europe for the birth of his second child.Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton are among the four players on the Lakers' injury report. Ayton will miss his third game of the season because of left elbow pain, according to the Lakers. Jaxson Hayes may start in Ayton's stead due to his injury, while Maxi Kleber, who is listed as likely due to a lumbar muscle strain, may also play a bigger part.Also read: Fact check: Is Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to Los Angeles Lakers?