Rockets Coach Ime Udoka Addresses Kevin Durant's Status Ahead of Game 4

The Houston Rockets have been without superstar Kevin Durant for two of the three games in their first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Surprisingly, they have lost all three games despite the Lakers being without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Durant missed Game 1 with a knee injury, and although Houston was expected to at least challenge a shorthanded Lakers squad, LeBron James led Los Angeles to a comfortable 107–98 win.

Durant returned as a game-time decision in Game 2, but the Rockets still fell 101–94. The veteran forward struggled in the second half, scoring just three points. To make matters worse, he was later ruled out for Game 3 with a left ankle sprain.

Initially listed as questionable, Durant ultimately did not suit up as the Lakers secured a 112–108 overtime victory. The Rockets now trail 0–3 in the series, a deficit no team has ever overcome in NBA history.

Houston will hope to defy the odds, but it will certainly need Durant back on the court to have any chance of doing so. Head coach Ime Udoka was asked about Durant's status after Friday's game but did not provide a clear update.

"Up in the air," he said, via ESPN. "I think we made some progress in the last few days, but we'll see how that [goes] with only one day in between."

It remains unclear when Durant sustained the ankle injury, though it may have occurred during Game 2. The 37-year-old recorded 23 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 41 minutes in that game, but it was not enough to offset a 28-point performance from James.

James once again led the Lakers in Game 3, finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, along with three steals and one block while shooting 10-of-22 from the field and 4-of-9 from three-point range. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also impressed, each scoring over 20 points.

The Rockets were led by Alperen Sengun, who scored 33 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson added 20-plus points each. Houston even built a six-point lead with just 25 seconds remaining in the regulation time, but it was not enough to prevent James from forcing overtime and sealing the win.

Now down 0–3, Houston faces a daunting task of winning four straight games, and for that to happen, they need Durant back on the court starting with Game 4 on Sunday.

Related: LeBron James Sends Kevin Durant Message Before Rockets Series

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 5:57 AM.