Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka said on Monday that superstar forward Kevin Durant is a game-time decision for Game 2 of their series against the LA Lakers. Durant missed the series opener two nights ago after colliding with a teammate in practice.
NBA injury insider Dr. Evan Jeffries tweeted his thoughts on Durant’s knee issue on Monday:
“ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Kevin Durant is dealing with a ‘bruised patella tendon.’ … Contact directly with the tendon can cause a bruise, but it can also cause an ‘acute tendonitis.’ This can cause pain, swelling and lack of range of motion.”
Udoka told reporters after the Rockets’ 107-98 loss that Durant’s knee is “very tender and tough to bend in certain ways.” He added that “pain tolerance is one thing, but limited movement is the bigger issue.” The coach added that tests showed “nothing major,” giving him hope that the former MVP could be available for Game 2.
ESPN reported on Monday that Durant joined “half of Houston’s practice on Monday.” After some rest, KD, who wore tape in his right knee, started working on his shots while being attended to by trainers.
While there is hope for a Game 2 return, Dr. Jeffries is also providing fans with a clearer picture of what Kevin Durant is dealing with, beyond Ime Udoka’s comments.
Rockets Fans Remain Hopeful Kevin Durant Will Be Available
Without Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets struggled to generate offense. They sorely missed KD’s shotmaking and gravity, allowing the LA Lakers to collapse on Alperen Sengun.
Following Dr. Jeffries’ prognosis, Rockets fans remain hopeful KD can play in Game 2. One fan wrote:
“GTD is great news.”
Another fan added:
“Take some advil and slap on salonpas, and let’s go, KD!”
One more fan continued:
“This is a 3-4 week injury but he should be icing it all the time and he’ll be ready to play 35-37 minutes.”
Another fan commented:
“Imagine saying that to MJ or Kobe.”
One fan tweeted:
“Kobe would pop some aspirin and go.”
The second-seeded Rockets lost to the No. 7 Golden State Warriors last season due to their lack of offensive spark. In Game 1 against the Lakers, they faced the same problems as Durant watched helplessly from the sidelines.
Houston can’t afford another absence from the former MVP as it tries to prevent a 0-2 hole in the series.
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