The Rockets are unlikely to have their leading scorer as they face playoff elimination on Sunday, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, who reports (via Twitter) that Kevin Durant is expected to be sidelined once again in Game 4.
Durant, who missed Game 1 due to a right knee injury, suffered a left ankle sprain when he returned for Game 2. According to Charania, the 37-year-old forward has a bone bruise in his ankle, which would typically sideline a player for two-to-three weeks during the regular season.
Durant has been receiving constant treatment on his injured ankle and participated in a film session on Sunday morning, but the bone bruise has caused “swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility” in his left ankle, sources tell ESPN.
The 16-time All-Star appeared in 78 regular season games in his first season with Houston in 2025/26, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 36.4 minutes per contest. He posted an excellent shooting line of .520/.413/.874.
However, the playoffs have been a different story, with Durant now expected to miss his third game in the first-round matchup against the Lakers. Los Angeles currently leads the best-of-seven series three games to zero.
After signing a two-year, $90MM extension in October, Durant will earn a guaranteed $43.9MM in 2026/27, followed by a $46.1MM player option for ’27/28.
Need to trade Sengun or Amen or Jabari for a true PG. Too many guys on this team that can’t make an open shot or create off the dribble. Absolutely zero dribble penetration without Reed Shepherd doing his best Matthew Delladova impersonation.
every team Durant is on but the Warriors is a disappointment but somehow no one will blame him. The idea of trading Sengun or Amen is just ridiculous
Then you’re stuck with losses and no conference finals appearances. Do you see either of them being the 2nd best player on a title team? Neither can create their own shot, only different is Amen is a tremendous defender. Too much of the same roster is the issue
Why would they trade younger guys instead of moving from the old team killer? They need to find anyone to take KD but he needs to wait for Sonics to return and end his career there. He is not a guy contenders need.
I never said you keep KD either. I think you’re misinformed on that part. One or the other has to go.
Situation:
Durant is now a 2nd banana for a championship contender.
Thompon is a 4th option
Smith is a 5th option
This is what the Rockets need:
1. team leader.
Acquire a superstar like young Olajuwon or young Kawhi or young Giannis as a team leader via tank, draft or trade. (highly unlikely but possible)
2. third option
Someone like Deni Avdija or young Scottie Pippen or young Klay Thompson
3. 6th man
Someone like Naz Reid or Ayo Dosunmu or Payton Pritchard
Trade Sengun, Sheppard, Eason (SNT), entire bench and all draft picks
If you trade Sengun for a tier 1 or 2 level guy in this league sure. Rockets got a good one in Amen Thompson. Rockets should explore Jabari’s market. The Fred VanVleet and Stephen Adams really hurt the Rockets. Rockets would be much better with Fred running PG
Game 3:
In Weak East, lottery teams like Hornets or Heat can sweep Game 3 Lakers roster. This is how bad is the Lakers game 3 roster
Rockets bench scores 3 points in 53 minutes game.
I myself is better than Rockets entire bench.
I don’t need any field goal. I can score 4 points in 53 minutes,
All I need is offensive fouls from opponents.