HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 08: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Utah Jazz during the first half of a preseason game at Toyota Center on October 08, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Rockets caught a huge break when, as the regular season ended, they learned they would draw the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference’s 4-5 matchup. Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, the league’s highest scoring duo, were both ruled out indefinitely, nursing injuries, with their status to return at all in the first round in question. Houston would clearly have the upper hand. Instead, a mere day before Game 1, star forward Kevin Durant was ruled questionable to play in the opener due to a knee contusion suffered in practice earlier in the week. He was ruled out just 90 minutes before tip-off.
Per reports, the bruise suffered by Durant was just above the knee, around the patellar tendon area. Durant banged knees with a teammate in practice, hitting his knee in an awkward spot. Head coach Ime Udoka said Durant’s movement was restricted though imagining showed no major structural damage and not much swelling. Per reports, the area is tender and painful, limiting how much Durant can bend and move the knee.
The Rockets sorely missed Durant’s presence, losing Game 1, 107-98, with their offense looking all out of sorts throughout the game. Even with Doncic and Reeves sidelined, it was clear that Houston was missing its leading scorer. All of Houston’s young players struggled shooting the ball with Alperen Sengun going 6-for-19, Amen Thompson going 7-for-18, Jabari Smith Jr. going 5-for-14, and Reed Sheppard going 6-for-20. On the season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 52% from the floor, and a scorching 41.3% from long distance.
Game 2 is on Tuesday, giving Durant three full days of additional rest from Game 1. The Rockets currently have listed Durant as day-to-day, but per reports, they are hopeful that he will be able to return for Game 2. In his place, Sheppard got the start. Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, and Jae’Sean Tate filled in off the bench. Alongside Sheppard, Udoka started the usual quartet of Sengun, Smith, Thompson, and Okogie. When Durant returns, it is expected that Okogie would remain in the starting lineup with Thompson taking over point guard duties as he has all season.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com