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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets walks down court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
As the Houston Rockets fight to keep their playoff hopes alive, all eyes have been on superstar forward Kevin Durant and the ankle injury that has suddenly become the defining facet of the team’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
What initially appeared to be a minor issue has now escalated into a major concern for the Houston Rockets with Durant officially ruled out for Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Official Injury Update Issued For Kevin Durant Ahead of Houston Rockets Matchup Against Los Angeles Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant’s injury troubles began just before the playoffs started when he suffered a right knee contusion in practice that forced him to miss Game 1 of the series. He returned in Game 2 and still managed to score 23 points, but his performance came with visible limitations and nine turnovers in Houston’s loss. During that game, Durant also suffered a left ankle sprain that later revealed a painful bone bruise, ultimately culminating in an injury that has seen him sidelined ever since.
Fan Reactions to Kevin Durant’s Injury & Being Sidelined By Houston Rockets Amid Los Angeles Lakers Playoff Series
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 26: Kevin Durant #7 and Fred Vanvleet #5 of the Houston Rockets sit on the bench during the second quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
On social media, fans and commentators took to express their thoughts and feelings on Kevin Durant being sidelined by the Houston Rockets amid their playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers.
@crimestatsuk: Injuries happen but the rockets were supposed to be a superteam with [Kevin Durant] and now they’re down 3-0 it’s hard to spin that as just bad luck
@Moustache_bq: Missing the most important games of the season while earning a ‘supermax’ salary is not just ‘bad luck’; it is a poor return on investment for the Rockets organization
Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining