The Houston Rockets still do not know if Kevin Durant will be available for Game 2 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.
Durant, who sat out Sunday’s Game 1 defeat with a knee problem, participated in a portion of Monday’s practice and was officially designated as questionable, reporter Will Guillory of The Athletic noted.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the forward is coping with a deep bruise in his right patellar tendon sustained during a practice collision last week. The injury has produced swelling, pain and restricted range of motion—factors that led to his absence in the series opener.
“For Kevin Durant to miss a playoff game, that speaks to the severity,” Charania said on ESPN.
Head coach Ime Udoka stressed that mobility will determine Durant’s status. “The pain tolerance is one thing, but actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing,” Udoka told reporters.
Houston’s offense struggled without its leading scorer in Game 1, shooting 37.6 percent from the field and converting just 17 of 25 free throws. Team officials will monitor how Durant’s knee responds over the next 24 hours before making a final decision.
Game 2 is scheduled to tip off Tuesday at Toyota Center.
Source: Hoops Wire
