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LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets.

The Los Angeles Lakers already hold a commanding 3-0 series lead heading into Game 4 against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers seem to have come on top in a series plagued by significant injuries for both sides. 

For Houston, any slim chance to stage a comeback in the series hangs on the uncertainty of star forward Kevin Durant’s availability for Game 4. 

The 37-year-old superstar is still listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, but Rockets coach Ime Udoka indicated he is improving while receiving around-the-clock treatment.

Kevin Durant’s Injury Timeline and Decision Process

UPDATE: Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Sunday’s Game 4, the Houston Rockets announced.

Durant missed Friday’s Game 3 as the Rockets blew a late six-point lead and fell 112-108 in overtime at home court. Without its leading scorer, Houston struggled to close out the game, and the Lakers capitalized with a LeBron James clutch 3-pointer to push the series to the brink of a sweep.

GettyLeBron James leads the Los Angeles Lakers during their playoff run as he closes in on another Kareem Abdul-Jabbar record.

Houston is desperate for any potential lifeline and that will hinge on Durant being on the floor in Game 4. However, uncertainty lingers, with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reporting that his appearance will ultimately come down to several decision makers in the organization.

“The decision will come down to Kevin Durant, the Rockets coaching staff, the Rockets medical staff, and the Rockets front office,” McMenamin said. “Everyone will have an input and they’ll determine whether he is able to go.”

Durant played 78 games this season, his highest since 2019, but the two-time NBA champion has struggled with lower-body issues throughout the early postseason. 

He sat out Game 1 with a bruised right knee despite wanting to play. He returned for Game 2, delivering 23 points in 41 minutes during a 101-94 loss. He was then ruled out for Game 3 after an ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2 limited him.

If he suits up for action in Game 4, the series could go back to L.A. for a Game 5. However, the Lakers have already shown they can take the game with a below 100% Durant and that will be what the Rockets will essentially get if he is in the lineup tonight.

Rockets’ Outlook Amid Star’s Injuries

The Rockets are at the moment staring at a potential consecutive first-round exit. 

This year couldn’t have been any worse with their opponent being hit harder with injuries. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have played no single part of the postseason, yet Houston is still in search of their first win.

What it shows is that Udoka’s side has relied heavily on Durant’s scoring and veteran presence. They have tried to utilize Alperen Sengun, but Durant’s absence in Games 1 and 3 exposed offensive limitations. Despite nagging injuries, he showed a glimpse of that in Game 2.

For the Lakers, closing out the series in a sweep will be their focus, however, in an interesting scenario, an extended series would have meant a chance to see Doncic come back. The Slovenian superstar is reportedly ramping up his recovery from the Grade 2 hamstring injury he suffered early this month. It was speculated that he would play a part if the series goes deep.

Game 4 tips off tonight with the momentum on the side of the Lakers. However, all eyes will be firmly fixed on Houston’s final team sheet for the game if they deploy Durant in a do-or-die game.