The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of a commanding lead heading into Game 3 of their first-round series, but the Houston Rockets may have to fight for survival without their top star.
Kevin Durant is officially listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup after suffering a left ankle sprain late in Game 2, according to the team’s latest injury report.
Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
That could be a crushing blow for the Rockets, who were heavily favored against the Lakers in this series but have since lost the first two games.
Now, action travels to Houston, and if the Lakers manage to win Game 3, they’re almost assured to win the series, despite the devastating injuries they’ve suffered.
As detailed by Mike Gavin of NBC Sports, no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit and come back to win in seven games.
What injuries have the Los Angeles Lakers suffered?
Near the end of the regular season, the Lakers’ top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, were hurt.
Fortunately for the Lake Show, Reaves seems to be nearing a return to action.
Not only is he listed as questionable instead of out, but his return timeline could allow him to play in more than one game in this series.
With the Lakers’ 2-0 lead, that presents a great opportunity for LA to either win the series before Reaves returns, which ideally allows him more time to recover from his oblique strain, or to get some additional help in the deciding games of the series.
If the Lakers continue to play well and win this first round series, that could also provide enough time for Doncic to return from his hamstring injury.
All of the sudden, a special season that seemed lost only a couple of weeks ago has new life.
Do you think the Lakers can hold on until Reaves and Doncic return for a run at a title?