Kevin Durant will not feature in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the star forward has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain.
Read more: LaMelo Ball warned about suspension amid Bam Adebayo trip row
What happened to Kevin Durant?
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka told Mike Trudell that the injury occurred in Game 2. The swelling worsened after he finished the game. However, he played through it in Game 2.
Charania wrote on X, “String of bad luck for Durant — tendon bruise suffered in practice that sidelined him for Game 1, now an ankle sprain suffered in Game 2 holding him out following swelling and around-clock treatment — after being healthy all season.”
Due to a knee injury, Durant was unable to play in the Lakers’ opening game of the postseason either. The Rockets were hopeful that Durant would be able to play, although he sustained the injury during practice before Saturday’s playoff opener, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
He eventually made a comeback for Game 2, but the Rockets were unable to tie the series and are currently behind 2-0.
Read more: Shaquille O’Neal names Stephen Curry on his Mount Rushmore of basketball greats
Impact on the Rockets vs Lakers series
Durant’s absence significantly alters the dynamics of the series. As one of the league’s most prolific scorers, his presence is central to Houston’s offensive strategy.
The Rockets’ prospects of contending for a championship are drastically reduced if Durant sustains an injury. During the regular season, he led the squad in both three-point percentage (41.3) and scoring average, 26.0 points per game.
Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün will have increased responsibility to carry the offense under Coach Udoka. Trudell reported that Reed Shephard will replace Durant at the start of the game. According to the Bleacher Report, Sheppard’s ability to shoot will also be useful if Durant is sidelined for a long time.
