Heading into Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets are facing elimination, all while questioning the status of their star forward, Kevin Durant.
According to the official NBA injury report, Durant is still dealing with a sprained ankle. Therefore, he is questionable to play in Game 4 on Sunday night.
Hours before the action, reporters caught up with one of Durant’s teammates, Amen Thompson. Searching for answers on Durant before the critical elimination game, reporters asked about Durant’s mood as he waits for answers on his playing status.
Amen Thompson Addresses Kevin Durant Before Game 4
“I’m not going to lie, I don’t know,” Thompson said with a smile. “I think it’s been good.”
The first-round series between the Lakers and the Rockets has totally gone in the opposite direction of what many analysts expected.
Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the purple and gold, many anticipated a sure Rockets win. Durant’s injury turned the series upside down from the jump, as his sudden absence in Game 1 contributed to a shocking loss.
After the game, Durant was described as frustrated due to his inability to play. While Durant returned for Game 2, the Lakers still picked up the victory. Durant missed Game 3 with a different injury, and they couldn’t overcome the Lakers once again.
Since getting diagnosed with a sprained ankle, Durant has been doing “round-the-clock” rehab. It seems that has kept him away from the team.
“Kevin Durant is in the building at the practice facility this morning,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on Sunday morning.
“I’m told that he has continued his round-the-clock rehab on that left ankle of his. In Game 3, it was noticeable that he wasn’t on the bench, but Ime Udoka told us reporters that he was actually doing some underwater treadmill work as the game was going on. That same type of rehab has continued into Sunday.”
Durant’s availability is likely going to remain unclear until the Rockets have to submit their final report 30 minutes before tip-off. Game 4 is set to begin at 9:30 PM ET.