Kevin Durant to Miss Game 4 as Rockets Face Sweep Against Lakers

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets are running out of time — and players. Forward Kevin Durant will miss Game 4 of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, April 27, 2026, leaving his team one loss away from elimination after a 101-94 defeat in Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena.

The Injury Update

The Rockets announced Sunday evening that Durant, who averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the regular season, is listed as “out” for Game 4 due to a right hamstring strain. The 37-year-old forward exited Game 3 with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter after scoring 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting. He did not return to the bench for the remainder of the game.

“It’s a day-to-day situation,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “We’re monitoring it closely, but right now, he’s not available for tomorrow.”

Game 3 Turning Points

The Lakers took control of the series with a hard-fought 101-94 victory in Game 3, fueled by a 32-point performance from LeBron James and 25 points from Anthony Davis. The Rockets led by as many as 12 points in the first half but were unable to sustain their momentum after Durant’s exit.

Houston guard Jalen Green led all scorers with 30 points, including 18 in the first quarter, but the Rockets shot just 42.3% from the field as a team. The Lakers outrebounded Houston 48-36, including 14 offensive boards, and converted 18 second-chance points.

“We just didn’t have enough in the tank down the stretch,” Green said. “Losing KD hurt us, but we’ve got to find a way to win without him.”

What It Means for the Series

With Durant sidelined, the Rockets face the prospect of a first-round sweep — a scenario that would mark the franchise’s earliest postseason exit since 2016. Houston has not won a playoff series since 2018, when it advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

The Lakers, meanwhile, are one win away from advancing to the second round for the first time since 2023. Los Angeles finished the regular season with a 52-30 record, securing the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.

Key Questions for Game 4

1. Who steps up in Durant’s absence?

Green will likely shoulder more of the offensive load, but the Rockets will need contributions from role players like Jabari Smith Jr. And Amen Thompson. Smith Jr. Scored 14 points in Game 3 but struggled with his shot efficiency (5-of-14).

2. Can the Rockets gradual down LeBron and AD?

James and Davis combined for 57 points in Game 3, shooting 21-of-37 from the field. The Lakers’ frontcourt depth, including Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, has given Houston matchup problems.

3. Will the Rockets’ bench make an impact?

Houston’s reserves were outscored 31-14 in Game 3. Guard Fred VanVleet, who started the season as the team’s sixth man, has struggled with his shooting in the series (3-of-15 from three-point range).

Series Outlook

If the Rockets lose Game 4, the series will conclude with a potential Game 5 in Houston on Wednesday, April 29. A Lakers victory would mark the first time since 2020 that Los Angeles advances past the first round of the playoffs.

“We’re not thinking about elimination right now,” Udoka said. “We’re focused on tomorrow. We’ve got to come out with more energy, more physicality, and find a way to win.”

How to Watch

Game 4: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers

• Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
• Time: 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET, 02:30 UTC Tuesday)
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
• TV: TNT (U.S.), NBA League Pass (international)
• Live Stream: NBA.com

Key Takeaways

• Kevin Durant is out for Game 4 due to a right hamstring strain.
• The Rockets trail the series 3-0 and face elimination.
• LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 57 points in Game 3.
• Jalen Green led Houston with 30 points but received little support from the bench.
• The Lakers are one win away from advancing to the second round.

The next confirmed checkpoint is Game 4 on Monday, April 27. Follow Archysport for live updates and postgame analysis.

What do you think? Will the Rockets avoid a sweep, or are the Lakers headed to the second round? Share your thoughts in the comments below.