.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Houston Rockets kept their season alive Wednesday night, escaping with a narrow 99-93 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5. LeBron James could not close out the series despite Kevin Durant being absent in the game. The 41-year-old finished the game with 25 points.
Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 points, while Tari Eason added 18 and Alperen Sengun finished just shy of a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. The Lakers went on an 11-1 run in the fourth quarter to keep it close, but Houston held on. The series now returns to Houston, where the Rockets will again have to play without Durant.
Kevin Durant sidelined ahead of crucial Game 6
Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Game 6, marking his fourth absence in five games this series. The 37-year-old continues to deal with a left ankle sprain and bone bruise that has not responded well enough to treatment for a green signal..
His injury timeline has been a string of setbacks. He missed Game 1 with a bruised right knee from a practice collision, then returned for Game 2 to score 23 points in 41 minutes.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: @ShamsCharania reports that Kevin Durant will miss Game 6 in the Rockets-Lakers series ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/3DsNOoGfTU
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 30, 2026He hurt his left ankle late in that game and hasn't played since. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that a bone bruise has caused enough stiffness and swelling to keep him off the floor for the last three games. He's already been ruled out for Friday’s Game 6 as well.
However, without him, Houston's young roster is trying to do something no team has ever done. They are trying to win a series after trailing 3-0. Safe to say, they are finally utilizing the advantage of Luka Doncic's absence.
Still, the path remains difficult against a 41-year-old James, who is still playing at an elite level. Game 6 tips off Friday in Houston at 9:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
English (US)