Kevin Durant’s absence loomed large even as the Houston Rockets extended their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston Rockets Coach Ime Udoka said after Game 4 that Durant’s ankle injury remains painful, but he left the door open for a possible return. Yankee Scores reports.
Udoka’s Update
Ime Udoka the Houston Rocket coach, explained that Durant is battling a bone bruise that limits his mobility. He emphasized that the team is treating the situation “day-to-day,” recalling how Durant bounced back quickly from a knee issue earlier in the series. The coach noted that swelling and mobility remain the key hurdles to the finals MVP’s return.
Ime Udoka did not rule out the potential for Kevin Durant to return in this series.
“Possibility for sure.”
“He’s doing what he can to get the swelling down, the mobility back.”
“A true day to day, game to game thing” pic.twitter.com/QIBOl6NmM0
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) April 27, 2026
Durant’s Playoff Struggles
Durant has missed three of the four games in the series, including Sunday’s 115‑96 win. He returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in 41 minutes, but injured his ankle late in that contest. At 37, Durant still ranked second in the league in minutes played during the regular season, underscoring the toll of his workload.
Rockets Rally Without Him
Houston’s balanced attack carried them in Game 4, with Amen Thompson scoring 23 points and Tari Eason adding 20. The win avoided elimination and pushed the series to Game 5 in Los Angeles. Still, Durant’s availability could be decisive as the Rockets try to climb back from a 3‑1 deficit.
What’s Next
Game 5 is Wednesday night, and all eyes will be on Durant’s status. Udoka’s cautious optimism offers hope, but the Rockets know they must prepare as if their star remains sidelined.
