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Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets received bad news for the second time in three games on the Kevin Durant front.
After experiencing another setback during the Rockets’ Game 2 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, Durant’s status for Game 3 was in question the moment the Rockets dropped their injury report on Thursday night.
Ahead of Friday’s action in Houston, Texas, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka explained what happened to the superstar forward.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
“He’s a little bit ginger, went through some things at shootaround,” Udoka said, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Michael Shapiro. “Had some swelling in the ankle. We’ll give it a go tonight and see how he feels before the game.”
Ultimately, Durant was ruled out for Game 3.
Kevin Durant’s Battle With Setbacks vs Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets walks down court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Before the series started last weekend, Durant was diagnosed with a knee contusion. He suffered that setback during a practice session in the days leading up to Game 1.
Although Durant was hopeful of playing in Game 1, the Rockets ruled him out. Without him playing in his Houston postseason debut, the Rockets couldn’t overcome the loss of their seasoned superstar.
The Los Angeles Lakers collected a 107-98 victory to open the series.
Ahead of Game 2, the Rockets listed Durant as questionable. Considering the circumstances, it would’ve been a major shock if Durant missed the action as the Rockets trailed in the series.
Sure enough, the Rockets cleared Durant for action. He checked in for 41 minutes. During that time, the star forward shot 58.3% from the field and hit on 1-4 of his shots from three.
Durant wrapped up Game 2 with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. After a slow second half filled with struggles, Durant’s Rockets came up short with a 101-94 loss.
Houston was put in a difficult spot, going into Game 3 with a 0-2 record and without Durant.
The former MVP’s status for Game 4 is unclear. As Durant battles with a knee contusion and a sprained ankle, his availability for the remainder of the series will be something to keep an eye on.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso