HOUSTON — Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant is expected to sit out Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN on Sunday.
Additional tests revealed a bone bruise in Durant’s sprained left ankle, an injury that normally requires two to three weeks of recovery during the regular season, according to the sources. Despite around-the-clock treatment, team doctors have not cleared him to play.
Durant was hurt in the second half of Houston’s loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday night. Subsequent swelling, stiffness and limited mobility were compounded by the bone bruise, the sources said.
The 15-time All-Star reported to the Rockets’ facility Sunday morning for rehabilitation, attended a film session and joined team meetings, remaining involved in all non-basketball activities over the weekend.
Durant appeared in all but four regular-season games during his first year with Houston in 2025-26, none because of injury. Game 4 will mark his third absence of the postseason.
Source: ESPN
