Rockets rule out Kevin Durant (ankle) for Game 3 vs. Lakers - ESPN

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Friday night's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a left ankle sprain, the team announced.

Durant, 37, was sidelined for Game 1 of the first-round playoff series after suffering a right knee contusion in practice.

He returned for Game 2 and led Houston with 23 points on 7-for-12 shooting in 41 minutes, but the Lakers won 101-94 to go up 2-0 in the series. Durant struggled in the second half, scoring just three points on 1-for-5 shooting and committing five of his career postseason-worst nine turnovers after the break.

He was initially listed as questionable for Game 3 with a sprained left ankle but, despite around-the-clock treatment, will not be able to go.