Kevin Durant injury updates: Latest news on Rockets star’s status for Game 2 vs. Lakers after missing Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahead of the Rockets and Lakers' Game 1 matchup, a battered and bruised Lakers team looked to be in serious trouble against Kevin Durant and the Rockets.
But Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves weren't the only injured players, with Kevin Durant also sitting out the first game, leading to a Lakers' victory.
With the tide now turned in the series, the Rockets are in dire need of Durant to step up under the bright playoff lights.
Here's everything to know on Durant's injury status ahead of some crucial playoff matchups.
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APRIL 19, 1:45 p.m. — There has been little news announced sice Durant was unable to play in Game 1 of the Rockets’ opening-round series against the Lakers due to a knee injury suffered during Wednesday’s practice.
His status was not determined until about 90 minutes before Game 1. There is no clear structural damage, but his mobility is limited. His status for Game 2 is curently unknown.
Durant's knee is "tough to bend in certain ways," Rockets coach Ime Udoka explained. "Pain tolerance is one part, but (also) limited movement."
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Less than two hours before tipoff against the Lakers, Durant was officially out with a bruised right knee.
As for the source of this injury, Udoka confirmed that it happened during Wednesday's practice. There is no specific timetable on his return, but given that he was a late scratch, there is certainly a possibility that he can return soon.
According to Udoka, the imaging yielded "nothing major."
Rockets coach Ime Udoka says that Kevin Durant hit the knee “in an awkward spot” above the patella tendon during practice Wednesday. Udoka says imaging showed “nothing major” but that Durant’s knee is “very tender and tough to bend in certain ways.” Not sure how long he’ll be out https://t.co/51BVCdbtZF
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It's still unclear whether Durant is available for Tuesday's Game 2 matchup with the Lakers. It may be another last-minute decision as the Rockets continue to evaluate the status of Durant's knee.
Without Durant available in Game 1, the Rockets posted their lowest point total in over a month, dating back to their March 16 game, also against the Lakers.
Kevin Durant is 37 years old, and began his NBA career in 2007, when Lakers guard Bronny James was just three years old.