NBA14 hours ago1 minute read

Reaves Injured as Lakers Beat Bucks for Seventh Straight Win

The Los Angeles Lakers earned their seventh straight victory on Wednesday, but Austin Reaves left the game with a heel injury.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Lakers win seventh straight but pay heavy price

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a 123-112 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday to push their winning streak to seven games. The victory came with a cost as three main rotation players suffered injury scares during the second half.

Austin Reaves experienced the most concerning injury of the night. Luka Doncic and Collin Sexton also needed attention during the final quarter of the victory.

Reaves exits with heel issue

Reaves hurt his left heel after landing awkwardly on a missed fast break dunk with 8:21 left in the third quarter. He returned briefly after a timeout, but subbed himself out with 5:20 remaining in the quarter. He limped off the court and went to the back with medical staff.

Initial X-rays taken at the arena came back negative. Coach JJ Redick ruled out any concerns about Reaves' Achilles tendon, stating the team will get imaging done on Thursday in Los Angeles. Reaves finished with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting, five assists, and three steals in 25 minutes before exiting.

Doncic and Sexton suffer late scares

Doncic turned his right ankle with 4:25 left in the fourth quarter after leg to leg contact with Kyle Kuzma on a jump shot. Doncic avoided a serious injury and finished with 32 points. He told reporters after the game that he was good and would be fine.

Sexton bumped heads with Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins and left with 6:51 left in the fourth quarter. Redick noted that Sexton needed stitches above his right eye. The Lakers have a short break to recover before playing on the road on Sunday.

What it means for the next game

Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns (NBA, Sun, 15 Nov): Phoenix Suns win 46%, Los Angeles Lakers win 54%; projected score Phoenix Suns 111, Los Angeles Lakers 111. Our safest pick: Suns +8.5.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, Wed, 18 Nov): Los Angeles Lakers win 47%, Charlotte Hornets win 53%; projected score Los Angeles Lakers 112, Charlotte Hornets 112. Our safest pick: Hornets +8.5.