Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been cleared to play in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. This comes after Durant missed Game 1 due to a knee tendon bruise suffered during practice on Wednesday.
Coach Ime Udoka indicated that if Durant plays, he will not be under a minutes restriction. However, Udoka also noted that the player's "biggest lingering issue is mobility," and that "actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing."
Durant was observed shooting baskets shortly before Game 2. He had previously been listed as questionable for the game after participating in a portion of the team's practice on Monday. During that practice, Durant appeared to have tape and a bandage on his right knee, which forced him to sit out Houston's 107-98 loss in Game 1. Reports suggest the injury impacted his leg's range of motion.
Read More: Victor Wembanyama out Game 2 after fall, enters concussion protocol
Playoff Implications
The potential return of Durant looms large over the series. Analysts suggest that if the Lakers employ similar defensive tactics that proved effective against him previously, it could create other vulnerabilities. The absence of key players, including Durant, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, marked Game 1. Durant's presence, however, is seen as potentially altering the dynamic of the playoff matchup.
Background on the Injury
Durant sustained the knee contusion during practice this week. Despite the injury, Rockets management expressed optimism about his availability for the series. The Lakers, meanwhile, are dealing with their own injury concerns, with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) both sidelined indefinitely.
