Rockets Announce Concerning Kevin Durant Injury Update for Game 3

Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant returned to action in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after being forced to sit out Game 1 with a knee injury. Durant was initially a game-time decision, but was ultimately cleared to play on Tuesday for the second game of this first-round NBA playoffs series.

Despite Durant's return, however, the Rockets still lost, 101-94. This put Houston in a deep hole in the series, as it fell 2-0 to a shorthanded Lakers side.

Durant's 23 points, six rebounds and four assists in 41 minutes were not enough to lift the Rockets to victory. The former NBA MVP struggled taking care of the ball, committing nine costly turnovers in the loss.

As it turns out, Durant may have been battling another injury in Game 2. The Rockets announced on Thursday that the 16-time All-Star is now dealing with a left ankle sprain. This has cast serious doubt on Durant's status for Game 3 on Friday.

Houston submitted its injury report for Game 3 and Durant is now in danger of sitting out again. The Rockets announced on Thursday that the two-time NBA champion forward is officially listed as questionable to play.

It is unclear when Durant picked up the ankle injury. It is possible that the four-time NBA scoring champion tweaked his ankle in Game 2 on Tuesday.

It is important to note that Durant was also listed as questionable to play heading into Game 1 due to the knee issue. He was eventually ruled out after testing his knee ahead of tipoff.

This could be the case again for the 37-year-old on Friday. The Rockets likely won't make their final decision on Durant's status until closer to tipoff.

The Rockets will host Game 3 at Toyota Center. It's a must-win game for Houston. No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit.

Related: LeBron James Sends Kevin Durant Message Before Rockets Series

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 2:55 PM.