Rockets’ Kevin Durant out for Game 3 vs Lakers with a sprained left ankle

Kevin Durant will not participate in Game 3 of the Houston Rockets’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a sprained left ankle. Durant, who also missed the series opener because of a bruised right knee, returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points in a 101-94 loss that put the Lakers ahead 2-0 in the series. Coach Ime Udoka explained that Durant sustained the ankle injury while chasing Luke Kennard in Game 2 but continued playing due to adrenaline. The injury worsened afterward, leading to his absence in the upcoming game. This setback follows a season where the 37-year-old, in his first year with Houston after a major trade from Phoenix, ranked second in the league for minutes played and is the fifth-leading scorer in NBA history. QUESTION: How might Kevin Durant’s absence impact the Rockets’ strategy and morale in the remainder of the playoff series?