The Houston Rockets are facing potential elimination as they might be without Kevin Durant. The All-Star forward had been listed as questionable due to a sprained ankle. This injury update precedes their game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Durant Ruled Out Following Ankle Injury
Kevin Durant missed Houston’s game on Friday, a loss that put the Rockets down 3-0 in their series against the Los Angeles Lakers. He sustained the sprained ankle during the second half of a previous game. That was on Tuesday.
Although initially listed as questionable, Durant was downgraded to out on the injury report. Further tests revealed 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. According to coach Ime Udoka, this absence was because Durant was receiving treatment on the ankle. Udoka explained that Durant was “getting treatment, getting the ice and doing things you can’t do on the bench.”
Details of the Injury
Kevin Durant appeared to tweak his left ankle during the fourth quarter of the game on Tuesday. Durant’s foot landed on the foot of Lakers guard Luke Kennard. He was trailing a play, looking to potentially grab an offensive rebound.
Durant’s Availability This Season
Prior to this recent injury, Durant had been consistently available this season, playing in 78 games. The only other injury issues he had this year were minor knee and ankle issues earlier in the year. Despite being 37 years old, Durant has been a key player for the Rockets this season.
- Durant averaged 26.0 points per game.
- He also recorded 5.5 rebounds per game.
- Durant contributed 4.8 assists per game.
Durant has faced criticism online for his absence from the bench.
Durant’s Injury History
Throughout his 18 seasons, Durant has faced a significant injury history. The most notable injury was a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals. However, he regained his form upon his return, averaging at least 26.0 points per game in the six subsequent seasons.
The Rockets are trying to avoid a sweep in Sunday’s game.