After missing Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is desperately needed back. The Rockets shot just 38% from the field in their Game 1 loss, with Durant's absence being felt with him averaging a team-high 26 points per game.
"He bumped a knee in practice on Wednesday....Hopefully, it's a one-game thing," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
Him missing Game 1 came as a surprise, but the extra time between Game 1 and Game 2 affords Durant more time to recover.
Will Kevin Durant play Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers?
At the moment, Durant appears likely to suit up and play Game 2 for the Rockets. If that is indeed the case, then Houston could avenge their embarrassing Game 1 loss in Los Angeles.
Relying on a 38-year-old to return to help rescue their offense isn't a great sign for the Rockets. However, with a healthy Durant, Houston could quickly even the series against the Lakers.
Houston Rockets' full injury report against the Los Angeles Lakers
Joining Durant on the injury report are Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. Both players are out for the season. VanVleet is out for the season after tearing his ACL.
Meanwhile, Adams is out after suffering an ankle injury. That means that even if Durant returns for Game 2, the Rockets will still be shorthanded, but what about the Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers' full injury report against the Houston Rockets
With Durant questionable for the Rockets, the Lakers have a couple of injuries of their own. Austin Reaves is out with an oblique injury and could miss the entire first round.
Additionally, Luka Doncic is out with a hamstring injury and could also miss all of the first round. However, the longer the series goes, the more likely that Doncic could make his return later in the series.
Ultimately, the Rockets are hoping that Durant will be ready to go for Game 2. If not, Houston could just as easily find themselves down 0-2 if they play as poorly as they did in Game 1.
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