Houston Rockets confirmed that Kevin Durant cleared to suit up for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the opening contest with a bruised knee tendon. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s practice, but the veteran was spotted taking shots in the hallway before tip‑off. Coach Ime Udoka said there will be no minutes restriction if Durant plays. He remains optimistic about contributing immediately today.

Durant, 37, entered the regular season as the Rockets’ leading scorer, averaging 26 points per game. Houston struggled offensively in Game 1, shooting under 40% and squandering 27 more attempts than the Lakers, yet still fell 107‑98. Udoka emphasized mobility as the lingering concern, noting that pain tolerance matters less than feeling comfortable moving through the full repertoire of actions.

With the Rockets’ shooting woes exposed, Durant’s return could restore the firepower that propelled Houston to a 26‑point average last season. Udoka’s confidence that Durant will play unrestricted suggests the team will lean heavily on his scoring to close the gap against a disciplined Lakers squad. Durant’s health now stands as the decisive factor in the series.