Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Game 3 of Houston's first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a left ankle sprain, marking the second game he's missed in this season's playoffs.
Durant missed Game 1 of the series due to the same injury, which he sustained during the final regular-season game. The Rockets lost Game 1 but won Game 2 without him, tying the series at 1-1.
The team announced the decision after Durant was unable to participate fully in practice on Friday. His status for Game 4 remains uncertain.
Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists during the regular season. The Rockets will rely on James Harden and Russell Westbrook to lead the offense in his absence.
