Doncic and Reaves ruled out for Game 2; Durant listed as questionable
lakers-rockets-game-2-injury-update
The Los Angeles Lakers will again be without guards Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) when they face the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have listed forward Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) as questionable. Head coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Durant’s availability will be a game-time decision. The 37-year-old was injured during practice before Game 1 after bumping knees with a teammate and was unable to play despite completing his pre-game routine.
Game 1 recap
Los Angeles opened the series with a 107-98 victory, holding Houston to 37.6 percent shooting and limiting All-Star center Alperen Sengun to 6-for-19 from the field. The Rockets grabbed 21 offensive rebounds but struggled to compensate for Durant’s absence.
LeBron James directed the Lakers’ offense with 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Luke Kennard paced the scoring with 27 points on a career night from long range. Deandre Ayton added 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Marcus Smart recorded 15 points and eight assists. Rui Hachimura contributed 14 points, three steals and two blocks as all five starters reached double figures.
Injury timelines
The Lakers have not provided timetables for Doncic or Reaves. Both are dealing with Grade 2 strains, injuries that typically require extended recovery. No additional Los Angeles players were added to the injury report following Game 1.
Head coach JJ Redick said the late news of Durant’s Game 1 scratch did not alter the Lakers’ approach, and he emphasized that the team intends to maintain the same focus regardless of the Rockets’ lineup on Tuesday.
Source: Lakers Nation
