Kevin Durant has been cleared to return for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing Game 1.
The Houston Rockets star suffered a knee tendon bruise in practice on Wednesday.
Durant’s Condition and Mobility
Durant was seen getting shots up shortly before Game 2. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said that Durant wouldn’t be on a minutes restriction if he plays.
Udoka said that Durant’s biggest lingering issue is mobility. “The pain tolerance is one thing, but actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing,” Udoka stated.
Impact on the Rockets
Durant averaged a team-high 26 points per game during the regular season.
The Rockets clearly missed his shotmaking in their 107-98 loss to L.A. Houston shot less than 40% from the field in the game.
Houston lost despite attempting 27 more shots than the Lakers.
Stephen A. Smith’s Perspective
Stephen A. Smith believes Kevin Durant has more on the line than LeBron James does in the Rockets’ series vs. the Lakers.
Durant, 37, will be available for Game 2.