The Houston Rockets are playing the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of their first-round series without NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
Before the must-win game for the Rockets, it was announced that Durant was ruled out with a bone bruise in his right ankle. The forward has played in just one matchup in the series so far, but will miss what could be Houston’s final game of the season.
Heading into Game 4, the Rockets announced their starting lineup against the Lakers.
Rockets Announce Starting Lineup For Game 4 Vs Lakers
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets speaks with Alperen Sengun #28 following the game against the Detroit Pistons at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
In the lead-up to the must-win Game 4, the Rockets’ starting lineup was confirmed, a group that did not feature Durant.
Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Segnun were all named starters by head coach Ime Udoka and his staff.
This is the same lineup the Rockets used in Game 3, which also didn’t feature Durant. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, it was the second-youngest starting lineup used in a playoff game in NBA history.
“With Durant sidelined, the Rockets are expected to utilize the second-youngest starting lineup in NBA playoff history — their homegrown core of Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun,” Charania wrote on X on Friday.
Now, Houston will use the same group of starters, as without Durant, it will be their young players trying to save the team from elimination against the Lakers.
Kevin Durant Injury Update
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Durant didn’t play in Game 1, did suit up in Game 2, but has now been ruled out of the Rockets’ past two contests against Los Angeles.
While he was questionable heading into the Sunday night matchup, he was ruled out hours before tipoff.
“Houston’s Kevin Durant is expected to miss Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, sources tell ESPN. Durant has a bone bruise in his sprained ankle, which would sideline him 2 to 3 weeks in season,” Charania wrote on X, confirming the news. “He’s had around-the-clock treatment to play but has not been cleared by doctors.”
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Durant hadn’t been working out with the team, and when he asked Thompson about his thoughts on the 37-year-old’s recovery, he didn’t have any insight into his teammate.
“Durant came into the Rockets facility this morning for his rehab with the team’s medical staff and participated in film session and meetings with teammates. The bone bruise has created swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility in the ankle, sources said,” Charania added in a separate post on X. “Houston will face a 3-0 series deficit with Durant out tonight.”
Before Game 4, Udoka reiterated Charania’s reporting.
Now, the Rockets will do everything they can to win Game 4. It comes after a stunning collapse in Game 3 that saw them up six points with just over 30 seconds left.
Houston was favored to beat the Lakers as they were without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but now, Los Angeles is up 3-0 and in the driver’s seat in the series.
No team has ever lost a playoff series when up 3-0, as franchises are 159-0 with that lead, but the Rockets will do everything they can to extend their battle against the Lakers.
Rockets vs Lakers tips off on Sunday, April 26, at 8:30 pm CST and will be live on NBC and Peacock.
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