Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets: preview and player stats (Mar 28, 2027)

Head coach JJ Redick said Friday that Doncic (ankle) is "fine," per Law Murray of The Athletic. The superstar guard exited to the locker room late in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's win over the Bucks due to an apparent right ankle injury and did not return. Doncic can be tentatively placed on the right side of the questionable marker until the Lakers release an official injury report at some point prior to Sunday's matchup in Phoenix.

Reaves (heel) won't undergo imaging and is considered day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game against the Suns, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. An official designation for Reaves' status will be given Saturday, according to Buha, and head coach JJ Redick also said Reaves has a bruise on his heel. The star guard is enjoying an excellent start to the season and is averaging 24.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. If he's sidelined, expect Ziaire Williams to start in the backcourt alongside Luka Doncic.

Grimes (finger) said he expects to return to action Sunday against the Suns, according to Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI. Grimes has missed the Lakers' last two games, but it sounds as if he could return to the rotation Sunday. It's unclear whether he'd be a starter, but he'd have a chance if Austin Reaves (heel) isn't cleared. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points per game this season, but that number rises to 17.5 points per game in his two starts.

Sexton did not return to Wednesday's 123-112 win over the Bucks and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. Sexton knocked noggins with Ryan Rollins, but it sounds like he's avoided a concussion, so he should be able to get out there for Sunday's game in Phoenix. Austin Reaves (heel) also exited Wednesday's game, and if he needs to sit out Sunday, Sexton would have the chance for some extended minutes.

Smart has been suspended three games for throwing a punch during Wednesday's matchup against Golden State, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Smart, who was ejected from Wednesday's game for punching Charles Bassey, will begin serving his suspension Friday night against the Jazz, meaning he'll be eligible to return Wednesday versus Indiana. Bruce Thornton and Reed Sheppard should be in line for more minutes while Smart serves his three-game ban.

Head coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Adams could return as soon as Sunday's game at Washington, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. The veteran center is still recovering from a right soleus strain and hasn't played since Oct. 23. With Adams and Clint Capela (ankle) both sidelined, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith figure to see increased burn at center.

Head coach Ime Udoka stated Monday that Capela (ankle) could be cleared to return either Nov. 15 in Washington or Nov. 16 in Miami, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports. Capela is missing a fourth straight game Monday against Denver due to a right ankle sprain, but he appears to be trending in the right direction. He'll presumably need to log 5-on-5 work before gaining clearance to play, though the Rockets haven't disclosed how far along the big man is in his rehab.