lakers – rockets took another sharp turn on Friday, April 25, 2026 ET, with Kevin Durant ruled out for Game 3 in Houston because of a left ankle sprain. The Houston Rockets now head into the matchup without their leading scorer, while the Los Angeles Lakers also remain without Austin Reaves. The Lakers – Rockets series returns to Houston with Los Angeles up 2-0.
Durant unavailable after Game 2 injury
Durant’s ankle issue surfaced during Game 2, when he finished the loss despite the injury but then saw swelling increase afterward. Houston coach Ime Udoka said the swelling and tenderness worsened over the next day or so, and the team later downgraded Durant from questionable to out before Friday’s tipoff.
The Rockets had already played Game 1 without Durant because of a bruised right knee, then got him back for Game 2. He scored 23 points and added six rebounds and four assists in 40 minutes, giving Houston a needed lift even in defeat. For the series, the absence is significant because Durant led the Rockets in scoring during the regular season with 26. 0 points per game.
Lakers also missing Austin Reaves
The Lakers will not have Reaves either, after he was upgraded to questionable on Thursday and then ruled out shortly before the game. Reaves has been out for just over three weeks with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, and Lakers coach JJ Redick said he began his return-to-play program on Tuesday.
Reaves averaged a career-best 23. 3 points in the regular season, making his absence another important piece of the injury picture. Luka Doncic remains out as well, leaving the Lakers short on rotation options even with the 2-0 series lead.
Houston looks to reset at home
The Rockets enter Game 3 trailing 2-0 after struggling to generate much offense on the road. With the series moving to Houston, the team is banking on the home setting to shift momentum and give it a chance to answer back in the Lakers – Rockets matchup.
One note from Thursday added to the uncertainty around Durant’s status: Ime Udoka said Durant was a game-time decision before the final ruling came down. That uncertainty has now turned into a clear absence, and Houston must adjust quickly as the series continues in front of its home crowd.
What comes next in the series
Friday’s game now carries added weight because both teams are missing key scoring pieces, and the health of Durant will remain the biggest immediate storyline. If Houston cannot close the gap at home, the Lakers – Rockets series would move closer to becoming a steep uphill climb for the Rockets.
