Kevin Durant misses Rockets Game 3 vs Lakers with ankle sprain

Kevin Durant will miss Game 3 against the Lakers due to an ankle sprain. This is a big blow for the Rockets who are already down 0-2 in the series.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Kevin Durant, 37, forward for the Houston Rockets, will miss Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The absence stems from a left ankle sprain, according to multiple sources. This marks the second game Durant has been sidelined for in the series; he previously missed Game 1 due to a right knee contusion sustained in practice.

Durant returned for Game 2, playing 41 minutes and leading Houston with 23 points. However, the Lakers secured a 101-94 victory, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. Reports indicate Durant struggled in the latter half of Game 2, scoring only three points and committing nine turnovers, a personal postseason high.

ANKLE ISSUE SURFACES AFTER INTENSE DEFENSE

The ankle sprain reportedly occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 2, amid what Rockets coach Ime Udoka described as "relentless double-teaming" by the Lakers. Despite "around-the-clock treatment," Durant has been deemed unable to play for Friday night's Game 3. The Rockets face a critical juncture, trailing 0-2 and now forced to navigate a potentially season-saving home game without their star player.

Read More: Kevin Durant Out for Rockets Game 3 vs Lakers with Ankle Sprain

Sources: Rockets' Durant (ankle) out for Game 3 - 1

The Rockets' offensive structure is expected to change dramatically without Durant, whose participation was initially listed as questionable prior to the official ruling. His unavailability significantly lowers the team's prospects for competing in the series and potentially for a championship.

SERIES CONTEXT AND TEAM STATUS

Houston currently trails the series 2-0 after consecutive road losses in Los Angeles. Game 3, scheduled for Friday night, is considered a "swing moment" by some observers, and the Rockets now host the Lakers at home. Meanwhile, the Lakers will be without Luka Doncic for Friday's matchup.

The Rockets have had a challenging start to the postseason, with Durant's prior knee injury also impacting their performance. His return for Game 2, despite the subsequent ankle sprain, underscores the pressure on the veteran player. The team's injury report for Game 3 also includes other unnamed players, though Durant's status has been the most prominent concern.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Kevin Durant missing Game 3 against the Lakers?
Kevin Durant has a left ankle sprain and has been ruled out for Game 3. This is the second game he will miss in the series.
Q: What is the series score between the Rockets and Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Houston Rockets 2-0 in the first-round playoff series. The Lakers won Game 1 and Game 2.
Q: How did Kevin Durant get injured?
The ankle sprain happened in the fourth quarter of Game 2 during intense double-teaming by the Lakers. He played through the game but is now unable to play.
Q: What does this mean for the Rockets?
The Rockets are in a difficult position, trailing 0-2 and now playing at home without their star player. His absence greatly reduces their chances in the series and for a championship.