Rockets get Kevin Durant back for Game 2 vs. Lakers

Kevin Durant is back for the Houston Rockets.The league’s fifth all-time leading scorer will suit up for Game 2 of Houston’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers after being a surprise scratch for the opening matchup, team sources confirmed to The Athletic. Durant took part in Tuesday’s shootaround but did not speak to reporters afterward and was seen with a wrap on his knee. Hours later, the Rockets’ star was out on the court during pregame. Rockets coach Ime Udoka told reporters an hour before tipoff that Durant’s status remained a game-time decision, but he would not have a minute restriction if he was available. Kevin Durant is on the court going thru his pregame warmup. Appears to be moving well. Ime Udoka will give an update on his status in about 10 minutes. pic.twitter.com/Fa14gKPbkN — Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 22, 2026Team officials had expressed optimism throughout the day, but the final decision hinged on how Durant responded during his pregame workout. The key question was whether the pain that was simply too much to bear before Game 1 had subsided enough for him to play comfortably.Advertisement