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Lakers release injury report for Game 6 versus Rockets
TL;DR
The Lakers face the Rockets in Game 6 after failing to close out the series despite a 3-0 lead. Austin Reaves is off the injury report, while Kevin Durant will miss his fourth consecutive game due to an ankle injury.
Key points
- Lakers lead series 3-0 but failed to close out Rockets
- Austin Reaves returns for Game 6 after oblique strain
- Kevin Durant out for fourth straight game due to ankle injury
- Game 7 would be in Los Angeles if Lakers lose Game 6
- Durant's injury typically requires a two-week recovery
Los Angeles LakersHouston RocketsAustin ReavesKevin Durant
The Los Angeles Lakers are in some real trouble right now. After taking a 3-0 lead in their first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets, they missed two opportunities to close out the Rockets. Now they will have to head to Houston for Game 6 on Friday, and all of the momentum currently favors the Rockets.
Austin Reaves returned to action on Wednesday in Game 5 after suffering an oblique strain on April 2 that had kept him out ever since. He's off the injury report for Game 6, while Luka Doncic remains out due to his Grade 2 hamstring strain.
The good news for the Lakers is that, per Shams Charania of ESPN, Kevin Durant will sit out yet again due to a left ankle sprain and bone bruise in his injured ankle. This will be the fourth straight game Durant will miss — he was also unable to play in Game 1 because of a knee contusion.
If the Lakers fail yet again to put the Rockets again, Game 7 of the series would take place in Los Angeles on Sunday. It seems unlikely that Durant would be able to play in that contest, as Charania reported that the type of injury the future Hall of Famer has usually carries a two-week recovery timetable.
Durant suffered his current ankle ailment late in Game 2.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers release injury report for Game 6 versus Rockets
Q&A
What is the injury status of Austin Reaves for Game 6 against the Rockets?
Austin Reaves is off the injury report and will play in Game 6 against the Rockets.
Why is Kevin Durant not playing in Game 6 against the Lakers?
Kevin Durant is out due to a left ankle sprain and bone bruise, missing his fourth straight game.
What happens if the Lakers lose Game 6 against the Rockets?
If the Lakers lose Game 6, a decisive Game 7 will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday.