Kevin Durant is out for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on ESPN. Durant’s absence is due to a left ankle sprain.
Durant’s Injury Woes
Durant didn’t participate in practice with the Rockets on Tuesday before they left for California. The team are trailing 3-1 in the first-round series. He was observed running on an antigravity treadmill as the team concluded their preparations before travelling to the airport.
Coach Ime Udoka addressed the possibility of Durant playing in Game 5. Udoka said that Durant’s status was day-to-day and game-to-game. He added that Durant would need to get on the court and do some things, but he didn’t participate in practice on Tuesday. Udoka noted that Durant is doing conditioning and other aspects to try to get back.
Earlier Games Missed
Durant has not played in the last three games in Houston’s first-round series.
He sat out the opener with a bruised right knee, as well as Games 3, 4 and 5. Durant returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes in the 101-94 loss, during which he injured his ankle late in the game.
The Rockets won Game 4 115-96 despite missing their superstar to avoid elimination.
Durant’s Regular Season Performance
Durant’s injury problems this postseason came after the 37-year-old ranked second in the league in the regular season by playing 2,840 minutes.
Durant is in his first season in Houston after an offseason trade from Phoenix. He is also the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history.
Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press contributed to reports.