Durant will miss Game 4 due to injury! Swollen and stiff ankle limits mobility; Rockets trail 0-3 and face elimination.

On April 27 Beijing time, ESPN's renowned reporter Shams reported that the Rockets will face a crucial elimination game today—a loss would end their playoff run—but their top scorer Durant will be unavailable. Shams stated that Durant is anticipated to continue missing the fourth game of the series.

Durant first missed the opening game due to a right knee injury, and upon returning for Game 2, he sustained a left ankle sprain. Shams revealed that the 37-year-old forward has a bone bruise in his ankle; such injuries typically require players to rest for two to three weeks during the regular season.

Sources told ESPN that Durant has been undergoing ongoing treatment for his ankle injury and participated in today's tactical film session, but the bone bruise has caused swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility in his left ankle. Udoka said yesterday: "He is still receiving round-the-clock treatment. The soreness persists, but the ankle swelling has subsided significantly. Whether he can play ultimately depends on his physical tolerance."

The 2025-2026 season marked Durant's first year with the Houston Rockets. This 16-time All-Star played 78 regular-season games, averaging 36.4 minutes per game, with 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. His shooting performance was outstanding: 52.0% overall field goal percentage, 41.3% from three-point range, and 87.4% free throw percentage.

However, in the playoffs, Durant's performance sharply declined. In this first-round series against the Lakers, he has only played one out of four games. In the seven-game series, the Lakers currently hold a 3-0 lead.

Durant signed a two-year, $90 million extension with the team last October. For the 2026-27 season, his guaranteed salary is $43.9 million; for the 2027-28 season, he holds a player option worth $46.1 million.