Houston is preparing to face possible playoff elimination without its top scorer. Shams Charania of ESPN reported Sunday that forward Kevin Durant is expected to sit out Game 4 of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 37-year-old missed Game 1 with a right knee issue and sprained his left ankle upon returning in Game 2. According to Charania, imaging revealed a bone bruise in the ankle—an injury that typically sidelines players for two to three weeks during the regular season.
Sources told ESPN that the bruise has produced swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. Durant has undergone continuous treatment and took part in a team film session on Sunday morning, but the club does not expect him to be ready for tip-off.
Durant played 78 regular-season games in his first year with Houston, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 36.4 minutes while shooting .520 from the field, .413 from three, and .874 at the line. The 16-time All-Star signed a two-year, $90 million extension in October that will pay him $43.9 million guaranteed in 2026/27 and includes a $46.1 million player option for 2027/28.
Houston trails Los Angeles 3-0 in the best-of-seven matchup, making Sunday’s contest a must-win if the Rockets hope to extend their season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
