Kevin Durant rejoins Houston’s starting lineup for Game 2 at Lakers

As expected , All-Star forward Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) rejoined the Rockets in Game 2 ( box score ) of Houston’s first-round playoff series versus the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant missed Saturday’s Game 1 in Los Angeles, which played a large role in Houston losing the opening game of its best-of-seven series. Thus, the Rockets are hoping that Durant’s return will allow them to tie the series on Tuesday night.

Tipoff is at 9:30 p. m. Central, and the game is being televised and streamed nationally on NBC and Peacock.

Durant started for the Rockets alongside Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. , and Josh Okogie. In his pregame media session before Game 2, head coach Ime Udoka said Durant was testing out his knee at that time.

He added that if Durant was cleared to play, there would not be a minutes restriction. A few minutes later, after Durant’s pregame on-court workout concluded, Shams Charania — ESPN’s top NBA insider — reported that Durant was cleared to play . Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been cleared to return for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing Game 1 due to a knee tendon bruise, sources tell ESPN.