Is Austin Reaves Playing Tonight? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for Lakers vs. Hornets)

The latest injury update for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers star guard Austin Reaves has missed the last three games with a groin injury, but he's been upgraded to questionable for Monday night's matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Lakers have upgraded Austin Reaves to questionable for Monday’s game at Charlotte: pic.twitter.com/D8i1Mpl0q0

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 9, 2025

Ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Lakers head coach J.J. Redick said that Reaves would return during the Lakers' five-game road trip, and it appears it could be as soon as Monday.

Los Angeles is favored by 7.5 points on the road against Charlotte, and oddsmakers have listed prop bets for Reaves, a sign that they're expecting him to play in this matchup.

This season, Reaves is averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from 3. He's been an All-Star level talent for a Lakers team that is off to a 7-3 start.

While Reaves may play, there is another Lakers star that I prefer betting on in the prop market in this matchup.

Best Lakers Prop Bet vs. Hornets

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Luka Doncic 9+ Assists (-161)

Earlier today, I shared in my NBA Best Bets column – Peter’s Points – why I’m backing Doncic in this market against the Charlotte Hornets:

Doncic has picked up 10 or more assists in three games in a row, but I’m moving his line down just a bit to nine-plus dimes since he’s hit that number in four of his six games this season.

Overall, the superstar guard is averaging 9.5 assists per game on 15.8 potential assists, and the Lakers’ offense has run through him all season long. If Austin Reaves (questionable) sits out in this matchup, Doncic could be in line for a massive usage rate against a Charlotte team that is 24th in the league in defensive rating and 27th in opponent assists per game (28.7) this season.

Luka has just one game all season where he failed to get at least eight assists, and he put up 24 assists over the last two games with Reaves banged up. He’s an easy bet to push double digits against Charlotte on Monday.

---

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Claim the latest DraftKings promo code offer today. Sign up and win your first $5 bet to get $300 in bonus bets instantly +3 months of NBA League Pass.