Kevin Durant won’t play in Recreation 6 towards the Lakers due to the ankle damage that has sidelined the Rockets star for many of Houston’s first-round playoff collection, sources informed ESPN’s Shams Charania.
It would mark the fourth consecutive recreation that Durant misses due to the bone bruise in his left ankle. The 2014 NBA MVP suffered the damage close to the top of Houston’s loss in Recreation 2.
Durant didn’t play within the collection opener due to bruised tendon in his proper knee however returned for Recreation 2, scoring 23 factors in 41 minutes earlier than injuring his left ankle late within the contest.
The Rockets have gained the previous two video games towards the Lakers after dealing with a 3-0 collection deficit. The groups will play Recreation 6 in Houston on Friday, with Recreation 7 set for Sunday in Los Angeles if obligatory.
Sources informed Charania that Durant’s damage typically carries a minimal two-week timetable for returning to play. Durant suffered the damage on April 21, which was 12 days earlier than a possible Recreation 7 on this collection.
Durant, 37, performed 2,840 minutes in the course of the regular-season — the second-most within the league. The 16-time All-Star averaged 26.0 factors, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 78 video games this season, his first with the Rockets.
Copyright © 2026 ESPN Web Ventures. All rights reserved.









