What happened
Houston's Kevin Durant is expected to miss Game 4 against the Lakers due to a bone bruise in his sprained ankle, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury would typically sideline a player for 2-3 weeks in the regular season. This follows Durant being ruled out for Game 3 with the left ankle sprain.
Why it matters
Durant's absence forces the Rockets to rely on their young lineup in a critical first-round playoff game. It heightens pressure on Houston amid recent injury challenges for the star forward. Playoff odds and betting lines shift without one of the league's top scorers.
What to watch
Await official injury report for Game 4 confirmation. Watch Rockets' starting lineup announcement.