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Kevin Durant on returning to Phoenix for the first time since being traded

The Houston Rockets have a major Kevin Durant question looming ahead of the Game 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.

For the fourth-straight game, Durant is questionable on the injury report. It’s the second time this postseason that Durant’s injury status comes into question due to an ankle sprain. The superstar forward suffered that setback in Game 2.

On the morning of the matchup, the Rockets held a standard shootaround session. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin offered an update on Durant hours before the game is slated to tip off.

The Latest On Kevin Durant Before Game 4

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

“Kevin Durant is in the building at the practice facility this morning. I’m told that he has continued his round-the-clock rehab on that left ankle of his,” McMenamin said on ESPN on Sunday.

“In Game 3, it was noticeable that he wasn’t on the bench, but Ime Udoka told us reporters that he was actually doing some underwater treadmill work as the game was going on. That same type of rehab has continued into Sunday. The good thing about Game 4 is it’s a late tip-off, so he has even extra time to try to get his body right. Make of this what you will, Amen Thompson was asked of this about an hour ago, how KD is feeling. He said, ‘To be honest with you, I don’t know.’ Whether that means KD has been doing all of his rehab away from the team, or the team hasn’t really been checking in on him, that’s another dynamic to look for as we head towards tip-off.”

The Rockets’ Backs Are Against The Wall

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Heading into the round one series against the Lakers, the Rockets had a massive advantage. Durant wasn’t hurt until late in the week. The Lakers were set to miss Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Before Game 1, Durant was ruled out with a knee contusion. Without him, the Rockets couldn’t overcome a Lakers team that missed Doncic and Reaves. Even when the Rockets got Durant back, they couldn’t take down the Lakers.

Sitting at 0-3 after fumbling an overtime battle in Game 3, the Rockets need all hands on deck. Hours before the game, they are still in the dark about Durant’s status.

Game 4 is set to begin at 9:30 PM ET.