Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant won't play in Friday's Game 3 clash against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a left ankle sprain.
Durant was also a late scratch for the series opener with a right knee contusion, but he did play in Game 2.
Reed Sheppard started in Durant's place for the second time in three contests.
Despite the 16-time All-Star spraining his ankle Tuesday in his return to the lineup, he still tallied 23 points, six boards, and four assists in 41 minutes.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka told reporters - including ESPN's Dave McMenamin - ahead of Friday's game that Durant turned his ankle with 7:20 to go in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and has been dealing with swelling.
Durant had one of his healthiest campaigns prior to his recent injuries. The 37-year-old averaged 26 points, 5.5 boards, and 4.8 assists across 78 regular-season appearances.
