Kevin Durant Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers Due to Left Ankle Sprain

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a left ankle sprain, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Friday, April 24, 2026. The injury occurred during a transition play midway through the fourth quarter of Game 2, with swelling worsening in the following days.

Durant, 37, missed Game 1 of the series with a bruised right knee sustained during practice but returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes despite the Rockets’ 101-94 loss. After reaggravating his ankle in that game, he was initially listed as questionable for Game 3 before being officially ruled out.

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed the progression of the injury, stating the team reviewed the play and noted Durant played through initial discomfort before swelling and tenderness developed afterward. “We’ve seen the play and found out when it happened. Just played the remainder of the game and obviously adrenaline and was still loose,” Udoka said. “But afterwards swelled up, some tenderness and got worse over the next day or so.”

The absence of Durant, who ranked second in the NBA in regular-season minutes played (2,840), leaves the Rockets relying on a young and inexperienced roster for a pivotal Game 3. Los Angeles entered the contest with a 2-0 series lead.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves was also ruled out for Game 3 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, having warmed up before being scratched shortly before tipoff.

Injury Timeline and Impact

• Before Game 1: Durant sustained a bruised right knee during practice, causing him to miss the season opener.
• Game 2: Durant returned and played 41 minutes but tweaked his left ankle during a transition play in the fourth quarter.
• Post-Game 2: Swelling and tenderness increased, leading to his questionable status for Game 3.
• Game 3: Durant officially ruled out; Reaves also unavailable due to oblique strain.

The Rockets now face a must-win situation in Game 3 without two key rotation players, significantly altering their playoff outlook against the Lakers.