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Kevin Durant looks on during the Rockets’ playoff series against the Lakers as his status for Game 4 remains uncertain due to an ankle injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from advancing, but a new development surrounding Kevin Durant has added fresh uncertainty ahead of Game 4.
As the Houston Rockets fight to avoid elimination, head coach Ime Udoka revealed that Durant’s recovery process has included a unique element — highlighting both his progress and the unpredictability of his status.
Durant, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain, remains a game-time decision entering Sunday’s Game 4.
“Up in the air,” Udoka said after the Rockets’ Game 3 loss. “I think we made some progress in the last few days, but we’ll see how that goes with only one day in between.”
Despite the urgency of the situation, Udoka made it clear that Durant’s availability will ultimately depend on how his body responds close to tipoff.
Udoka offered a behind-the-scenes look at Durant’s rehab, noting that the veteran forward has been undergoing intensive, around-the-clock treatment — including work away from the court.
“Getting treatment still around the clock,” Udoka told reporters following Saturday’s practice. “I think there’s some soreness. He pushed a lot of swelling out, but it will be a matter of if he can go.”
Durant has also been utilizing aquatic therapy as part of his recovery process.
“Getting in the pool, trying to get some running in and do all those things to prepare yourself,” Udoka said. “Back there getting treatment and the ice and the things you obviously can’t do on the bench.”
The Rockets coach added that Durant has been using tools such as an underwater treadmill to simulate movement without placing full stress on the injured ankle.
Durant did not appear on the bench during Game 3, with Udoka explaining that he remained in the back receiving treatment throughout the game.
“He’ll try it out tomorrow morning and before the game,” Udoka said. “We don’t know his status yet.”
Udoka emphasized that while progress has been made, game-speed activity remains the biggest test.
“Every day that goes by the likelihood goes up,” he said. “But it’s different going half-speed and ramping it up right before the game.”
Houston enters Game 4 trailing 3-0 in the series, putting added pressure on Durant’s potential return.
Still, Udoka said the situation will not force a rushed decision.
“I wouldn’t say expecting him or not,” he said. “It’s kind of a medical decision if they want to get that treatment in.”
More from Ime Udoka on Kevin Durant’s treatment during Game 3, whether he expected KD on Rockets’ bench:
“I wouldn’t say expecting him or not. It’s kind of a medical decision if they want to get that treatment in. Obviously once you’re done with treatment you can come out [to
If Durant is unable to play, rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to remain in the starting lineup.
Los Angeles has controlled the series despite injuries to key players, including Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
With momentum on their side, the Lakers will look to complete a sweep and advance to the next round.
Durant’s availability could shift the dynamic — but until a final decision is made, his status remains one of the biggest variables in the series.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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