Rockets Share Kevin Durant Update Against Lakers on Game 5
The Houston Rockets are down in the first-round of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have a 3-1 lead and could send the Rockets home on Wednesday in Game 5. Ahead of the crucial contest, Houston received discouraging news regarding their best player, Kevin Durant.
Durant is dealing with a sprained left ankle and an accompanying bone bruise. He did not play in Game 1, but the Rockets were fortunate to have him back in the lineup for Game 2. However, even with KD on the floor, the Lakers took over and won the game.
The two-time champion did not play in Game 3 due to the injury and was criticized for not being with the team. In Game 4, he was back with the Rockets. However, he still did not play.
Kevin Durant's Status in Game 5 Revealed
The Rockets announced that Durant will continue to be out of the lineup due to his injury. He is listed as out ahead of the pivotal Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena.
Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is listed as out for Game 5 vs the Lakers tomorrow night.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 29, 2026
Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) is questionable once again.
The Rockets had their practice on Tuesday, and Durant has offered words of encouragement for his team. All-Star big man Alperen Sengun told reporters that the future Hall of Fame star has motivated them from the sidelines.
"Him being there for us is important, talking to us on the bench, giving us motivation is really good," Sengun said.
Here Alperen talks about how Kevin Durant has encouraged the team while being out.
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 28, 2026
"Him being there for us is important talking to us on the bench giving us motivation is really good." pic.twitter.com/Ckk2ntFzMY
Head coach Ime Udoka also gave an update on Durant's status. Udoka said that the star forward has done some off-court drills during their practice, but his status remains day-to-day.
Durant is a significant part of the team's success this season. Without him, the Rockets have struggled on offense, which puts the team in a challenging spot in the playoffs.
Amid the tough postseason for Durant, his future in Houston has been a topic of discussion. The Ringer's Bill Simmons said on Monday's episode of his podcast that KD could return to the Golden State Warriors in the summer.
"I am all in on LeBron (James) going to Golden State next year," Simmons said. "Can I have Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson join him? Let's go full ‘Expendables,' and Golden State ends up with LeBron, (Steph) Curry, Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Al Horford."
@BillSimmons is all in on the Golden State Expendables pic.twitter.com/B3y5hHdfF8
— The Ringer (@ringer) April 27, 2026
If the Rockets lose in the first round against the Lakers, Durant's first year in Houston could be considered a disappointment. His future with the organization depends on how far he can lead them.
Related: Rockets Could Target Kawhi Leonard, Others to Pair With Kevin Durant
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 9:10 PM.