The Houston Rockets struggled to get by in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets were without their best player as Kevin Durant nursed a knee injury.
While the initial expectation was that the injury was not a significant concern, it turned out to be serious enough to force Durant to sit out the series opener.
With Durant watching from the sidelines, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 107-98 win in Game 1 to go up 1-0 in this first-round series.
The Rockets announced on Monday that Durant will be a game-time decision for Game 2 on Tuesday.
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The latest update on Durant is that he is trending in the right direction. Multiple reports indicate there is a good chance the former NBA MVP will be back in action for Game 2.
A new video of Durant at practice on Monday is now circulating online. In it, the 37-year-old is seen putting up shots with his right knee taped up.
As The Athletic’s Will Guillory reported in his video, Durant was “moving around much better” than he did before Game 1. This development aligns with reports indicating optimism about his return in Game 2.
The Lakers, on the other hand, are still shorthanded. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have officially been ruled out for Game 2. James will need to step up again to lead his team.
After Game 2 on Tuesday, this series will shift to Houston for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
