The Los Angeles Lakers' playoff push faces a significant question mark: when will starting guard Austin Reaves return from his muscle injury? As the team battles the Houston Rockets in the first round, his absence looms large, creating uncertainty for a squad that relies on his two-way energy and playmaking.

Currently, there is no clear timeline for Reaves's return. Head coach JJ Redick has stated that both Reaves and Luka Dončić are out indefinitely, offering little hope for an imminent comeback during this series. This puts pressure on the rest of the Lakers' backcourt to step up and fill the void.

However, a small glimmer of hope emerged recently when Reaves was spotted practicing in sneakers and shooting free throws. While this is a positive step in his rehabilitation, it doesn't guarantee a quick return to game action. Reports suggest the team is not counting on him for the first round, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid re-aggravation.

For now, Lakers fans are left in a holding pattern. While a surprise return later in the series isn't impossible, the smart money is on the team preparing to advance without one of their key contributors, at least for the immediate future. His recovery progress will be one of the most closely watched stories as the playoffs unfold.