Kevin Durant practice video adds real buzz ahead of Game 2 vs. Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Just a couple days ago, the Houston Rockets were trying to survive without him. Now, after a new practice video started making the rounds, there’s real belief he could be back for Game 2. Durant was out for Game 1 with a knee injury, and Houston felt it. The offense never really found a rhythm, and the Los Angeles Lakers took control early behind LeBron James in a 107-98 win.

Now? The energy around this series feels completely different.

Kevin Durant is here getting shots up after Rockets practice today in LA. Looks like he's got some type of tape on his right knee.Appears to be moving around much better than he was a few nights ago. pic.twitter.com/JI4HnCtFXB

Let’s not overthink it. If Durant plays, everything changes. Houston isn’t built to grind out games without him. He’s their bailout option, their closer, and the guy defenses are always worried about. Without him, the Lakers were able to stay home on shooters and make life uncomfortable.

With him, that goes out the window. Suddenly the floor opens up. Rotations get tougher. And the Rockets look like the team that actually has the best player in the series.

The reason for the sudden optimism is simple. Durant didn’t just show up at practice. He looked like himself. In the clip that’s been circulating, he’s getting shots up, moving cleanly, and not showing much hesitation even with his knee wrapped. That matters. A lot.

There’s a big difference between “game-time decision” and actually looking comfortable on the court. Right now, Durant looks closer to the second version. For Rockets fans, that’s enough to start believing he’s coming back sooner rather than later.

MORE: James Harden announcement made by NBA during Cavaliers Game 2

While Houston might be getting its star back, the Lakers are still dealing with their own issues. No Luka Doncic. No Austin Reaves. That puts even more pressure on LeBron to carry the load again. He delivered in Game 1, but asking him to do that every night in a playoff series is a big ask, even for him.

If Durant returns, the balance of this matchup swings fast.

Game 1 mattered. But this is where the series might actually begin. If Durant is back, Houston has a chance to even things up and reset everything before heading home. If he’s not, the Rockets are staring at a tough 0-2 hole.

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