The Houston Rockets’ situation had grown even more difficult, as they slipped to a 3-0 deficit after the Los Angeles Lakers secured another win in Game 3.
Kevin Durant had stayed out after being ruled unavailable with a sprained right ankle, which he sustained in Game 2 after already missing the opener due to a knee contusion.
He had still been managing swelling in his left ankle in the aftermath of the injury.
Without Durant in the lineup, Houston had gone with Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason as starters, but they were unable to contain the Lakers, who pushed the series firmly in their favor at 3-0.
Kevin Durant Out For Game 3 With Sprained Right Ankle https://t.co/7zz3oDFtQO
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 24, 2026
