Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (ankle) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Friday night. LaRavia hurt his right ankle in Tuesday's Game 2 win, but this issue won't force him to miss additional time. Although LaRavia made a positive impact with the Lakers during the regular season, his role has been limited in the playoffs. Across the first two games of the first-round series, the 24-year-old has averaged only 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 17.0 minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Houston Rockets. This is a positive development after Reaves' three-week absence due to a left oblique strain. The Lakers initially ruled him out for at least four weeks. Reaves' return on Friday would affect the playing time and offensive usage of Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. However, Reaves might not handle his usual workload after a long absence, so Kennard and Smart could remain key players.

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones will take Aaron Gordon's (calf) spot in the starting lineup on Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 24-year-old will start at least one game as Gordon manages left-calf tightness. A spot in the starting unit typically puts players in a better position to make an impact, but Spencer's effectiveness has not shown up in the box score. In 37 regular-season starts, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Cameron Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown will also help cover for Gordon's absence.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been upgraded to doubtful on the injury report before Friday's Game 3 against the Boston Celtics. Embiid is two weeks removed from a successful appendectomy and was a limited participant at Thursday's practice. He appears to be nearing his return to action, but Friday's game could come too soon for the former MVP. With Embiid on the shelf, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have held down the fort at the No. 5 spot in the first-round series. Drummond has offered more DFS production, averaging 6.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.0 minutes.