Are Kevin Durant, Austin Reaves playing today? Rockets host Lakers in Game 4 of 2026 NBA playoffs first round

The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets are locked in for a high-stakes Game 4, a matchup that could define the trajectory of this series. Heading into the contest, all eyes are on the training room as the availability of superstars Kevin Durant and Austin Reaves remains the primary storyline.

According to the latest injury reports, both Durant and Reaves are officially listed as questionable. While Reaves continues to manage a lingering issue that predates the postseason, Durant’s status is even more precarious; hampered by a nagging ankle injury, the Rockets’ star has been limited to just one appearance in the series thus far.

This “next man up” reality puts both coaching staffs in a difficult position as they look to fill significant production voids. With the stars sidelined, expect increased roles for Amen Thompson and Luke Kennard, both of whom will be called upon to provide the spark their respective rosters are currently missing.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka offered a sobering update on Durant’s status, heightening concerns regarding his availability for tonight’s tip-off. For Houston, the stakes couldn’t be higher; trailing in the series, the team find itself in a desperate fight to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets.

Projected lineups: Rockets vs. Lakers Game 4

Faced with these potential absences, both squads will lean on their depth to bridge the gap. Here is how the starting units are projected to look for this pivotal Game 4:

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• Los Angeles Lakers:
  • PG: Marcus Smart
  • SG: Luke Kennard
  • SF: Rui Hachimura
  • PF: LeBron James
  • C: Deandre Ayton
• Houston Rockets:
  • PG: Amen Thompson
  • SG: Jalen Green
  • SF: Dillon Brooks
  • PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
  • C: Alperen Sengun

The implications of tonight’s result are massive. A Lakers victory would punch their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals, setting up a date with the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. Conversely, a Rockets win would force a Game 5, shifting the pressure back to Los Angeles and giving Houston a new lease on life.