Durant Suffers Another Injury! Left Ankle Sprain Makes G3 Participation Uncertain, Rockets Trail 0-2 Facing Major Crisis

On April 24 Beijing time, the Rockets updated the injury report for Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs. Adams and VanVleet remain unavailable, while Durant is listed as questionable. The concern is that he was not placed on the injury list due to his previous knee injury, but because he has sustained a new injury—a left ankle sprain.

For the Rockets, who currently trail 0-2, this is undoubtedly disastrous news. Even if Durant can participate in Game 3, his performance is likely to be significantly affected. After all, with an old injury not fully healed and a new one added, his mobility will be impacted both in offense and defense.

Statistics show that in a seven-game series, if the Rockets lose Game 1, they have suffered 11 consecutive losses in Game 2 on the road, including this recent loss to the Lakers in Game 2. The last time they won a road Game 2 under such circumstances was in the 1986 Western Conference Finals against the Lakers.

Although the Rockets return home for Game 3, they still face immense pressure. After all, in a seven-game series, when trailing 0-2, their historical record is only 2 wins and 16 losses, and they have currently suffered 9 consecutive losses.

On the Lakers' side, in a seven-game series, once they secure a 2-0 lead, their historical record is 45 wins and 1 loss. The only time they were overturned was in the 1969 NBA Finals. Moreover, in James' playoff career, when leading 2-0, he has never lost a series, with a record of 32 wins and 0 losses.

Do you think the Rockets can avoid falling into a 0-3 deficit? After all, in NBA history, no team has ever overturned a series after trailing 0-3. Feel free to share your views in the comments.