The Houston Rockets are facing the prospect of being without Kevin Durant. The All-Star forward had been listed as questionable due to a sprained ankle. This was ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the team downgraded him to out.
Durant’s Ankle Injury and Treatment
Durant sustained the sprained ankle during the second half of a previous game. He tweaked his left ankle midway through the fourth quarter. This occurred when his left foot landed on the left foot of Lakers guard Luke Kennard.
Further testing revealed Durant also has a bone bruise in the sprained left ankle. He is seeking continued treatment. Durant was not present on Houston’s bench during the previous game. Coach Ime Udoka said that Durant was getting treatment on the ankle. Udoka explained Durant was getting in the pool trying to get some running in to prepare.
Durant faced some criticism online for his absence from the bench.
Impact on the Rockets
Durant missed a previous loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets are trying to avoid a sweep. Durant’s absence could further impact the team’s chances.
- Durant has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Lakers.
- He sustained a sprained ankle and bone bruise.
- He missed a previous game to get treatment.
Durant’s Season and Injury History
Any time a player has been around as long as Durant has — 18 seasons — he’s bound to have a significant injury history. The most notable injury Durant has faced in his career was the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals, but he regained his form as soon as he returned, averaging at least 26.0 points per game in the six subsequent seasons.
Despite being 37 years old, Durant was consistently available this year, playing in 78 games. Prior to the sprained left ankle, the only other injury issues he had this season were minor knee and ankle issues earlier in the year.
In 78 games this season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
The Rockets will need to adjust their strategy. They will need to do this as they face the Lakers without Durant.