Austin Reeves quietly is one of the best third fiddles in the NBA.
The fourth-year guard averages a career-high 18.8 points and 5.9 assists per game for the Lakers.
He averaged 26.5 points and 9.8 assists in the game this season without NBA legends, and went to another level when LeBron James, who suffered a gro caliber injury, was sidelined.
And it doesn't seem like the addition of Luka Doncic is hurting Reaves' production – at least not so far.
Reeves played a major role in Los Angeles offense on the bench at James in Brooklyn on Monday night, as the new Lakers superstar still appears to be taking shape.
In the 36th minute, the Reaves scored 17 points on 14 shots with 10 assists.
It was the first time that Reaves had hit those numbers in the same game since Doncic came to town.
Lakers vs. Bucks odds
| team | Spread it | Odds | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | +6.5 (-105) | +200 | O224.5 (-115) |
| Dollar | -6.5 (-115) | -250 | U224.5 (-105) |
I'm keeping an eye on Reeve as the Lakers travel to Milwaukee and ride the Bucks on Thursday. On Thursday, it is based on the internal defense of Brooke Lopez and Giannis Antetocomo, but is struggling to slow down the security guards they face.
Playing against Don Sic in the Big Lakers lineup, Reeves could attract Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. Neither of them are defensive stoppers.
The Reaves prove they can dominate this flimsy Milwaukee backcourt, averaging 23.5 points and 8.5 assists in two games last season.
The Lakers still don't have Hachimura's Rui, leaving some extra scoring opportunities for the Reaves to pick up.
Are you going to bet on the NBA?
I think the ball will be in Reeves' hands again on Thursday night.
Bet on the count statistics that follow for Oklahoma products.
Play: Austin plays 29.5 points or more + assist (-105, betmgm)
Why trust New York Post Beds?
Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst in many sports. He is particularly knowledgeable about the three big ones: the MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
