The Houston Rockets are entering Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers with a shocking development: Kevin Durant is going to be sidelined for the start of the series.
On Friday night, the Rockets announced that Durantâs initial status was set as questionable. According to the official NBA injury report, Durant is dealing with a knee contusion. While there didnât seem to be many red flags raised about the setback, the Rockets ended up ruling out Durant against the Lakers.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 against the Lakers tonight due to a right knee injury.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Saturday night marks the start of Durantâs first playoff run with the Rockets. After he wrapped up a three-year run with the Phoenix Suns via trade, Durant played a critical role for Houston throughout his age-37 season. This year, Durant appeared in 78 games. He shot 52.0% from the field and knocked down 41.3% of his threes.
Durant finished the regular season by averaging 26.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Rockets Reveal Starting Lineup With Kevin Durant Out vs Lakers
The Rockets will start Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, Jabari Smith Jr, and Alperen Sengun.
The Rockets enter the matchup heavily favored.
Despite Houston finishing behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings, the Lakers have their own injury concerns to worry about. For starters, the MVP-caliber guard Luka Doncic is dealing with a hamstring injury.
As Doncic was going on a tear down the final stretch of the regular season, he suffered the unfortunate setback. Now, heâs recovering without a clear date to return.
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 06: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball around Karlo Matkovic #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on January 06, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Beyond Doncic, the Lakers are also questioning the status of their sharpshooter, Austin Reaves. He is dealing with an oblique injury, which he suffered around the same time as Doncicâs setback. Reaves is also without a definitive timeline currently.
With Durant out of the mix on Saturday, that gives the Lakers a massive advantage at home. Since Durant was available for most of the season, the Rockets havenât had to adjust to life on the court without him this year. Fortunately for Houston, they do have an undefeated record (4-0) in games without Durant this season.
The Lakers and the Rockets are slated for a 10:30 PM ET tip.
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