Houston will be without Kevin Durant on Friday, as the Rockets ruled the All-Star forward out of Game 3 against the Thunder because of a left ankle sprain. Durant had been listed as questionable after playing in Game 2 and missing Game 1 with a separate knee issue.
Head coach Ime Udoka said Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason would join Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. in the starting lineup if Durant sat. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, that quintet would represent the second-youngest starting five in postseason history. Udoka also indicated he may deploy more small-ball units, a shift that could put veteran wing Dorian Finney-Smith on the floor for his first minutes of the playoffs.
The Lakers will also be short-handed Friday. Guard Austin Reaves has been ruled out as he continues to recover from an oblique injury sustained on April 2. Head coach JJ Redick said Reaves completed full-contact five-on-five work and will be re-evaluated ahead of Sunday’s Game 4.
In Boston, the 76ers will again play without Joel Embiid. The reigning MVP remains sidelined for Game 3 following an emergency appendectomy earlier this month. “He’s just not ready,” Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said, noting that Embiid has only recently resumed light lifting and on-court work.
Minnesota received better news: Anthony Edwards has been removed from the injury report for Saturday’s Game 4. The guard had been listed as questionable with a knee issue for each of the series’ first three contests, but head coach Chris Finch said the condition is improving.
Denver still faces uncertainty ahead of Sunday’s pivotal Game 4. Forward Aaron Gordon is questionable after missing Game 3 with calf tightness; he participated in a walk-through and iced the calf afterward. Rookie wing Peyton Watson (hamstring strain) remains out.
The Rockets, Lakers, 76ers, Timberwolves and Nuggets all tip off again this weekend as the first round continues.
Source: Hoops Rumors
