Is Kevin Durant playing tonight in Game 5 vs. Lakers? Final status for Rockets star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Houston Rockets were already able to avoid elimination once in their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers. They'll look to do so again in Game 5 on Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, Houston will continue to be without its best player for the critical contest.

Kevin Durant has been ruled out of Game 5 against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.

It will be the third consecutive game missed by Durant due to the injury. He also missed the first game of the series due to a knee contusion.

Game 2 was the only game of the series that Durant has played in so far. He tallied 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 41 minutes in that game.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka provided an update on Durant's status on Tuesday.

"It is day to day, game to game," Udoka said. "But we'll have to get on the court and do some things, and he didn't participate in practice today. But he's doing the conditioning and other aspects to try to get back."

Perhaps Durant will be able to return for Game 6 on Friday night, if the Rockets can extend their season without him again.

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