Houston Rockets fans, brace yourselves for potentially tough news: star forward Kevin Durant is expected to miss Game 6 of the first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team is facing elimination, and without their leading scorer, the challenge becomes even steeper.

Durant has been battling a string of injuries throughout this series. He sat out Game 1 with a right knee contusion he picked up in practice the day before. After returning to score 23 points in a Game 2 loss, he suffered a left ankle sprain that has kept him on the sidelines for Games 3, 4, and 5. According to league sources speaking with ESPN's Shams Charania, the ankle pain is likely to sideline him again for the potential elimination game in Houston. The NBA injury report listed Durant as "doubtful" as of 10 p.m. ET on April 30.

The Rockets have shown resilience, winning the last two matchups after falling into a 3-0 series hole. A Game 7, if needed, is scheduled for Sunday, May 3. But without Durant's offensive firepower, the Rockets will need a complete team effort to keep their playoff hopes alive.

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