The Houston Rockets may have avoided a major setback hours before Game 1 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant, listed as questionable for Game 1 with a right knee contusion, is not expected to face a significant long-term issue, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
“A source told ESPN that Durant sustained the injury during practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic his knee will not be a significant issue during the series,” MacMahon reported.
(UPDATE: Durant has been officially ruled out for Game 1, Rockets coach Ime Udoka told reporters pregame.)
Kevin Durant Injury Update Provides Relief for Rockets
Durant, 37, averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his first season with Houston, appearing in 78 games — his highest total since the 2018-19 campaign.
He also played the second-most minutes in the NBA regular season and enters the playoffs just 15 points shy of 5,000 for his postseason career, underscoring both his workload and importance.
The injury occurring in practice — rather than in-game action — may also work in Houston’s favor, providing additional recovery time before tipoff.
Rockets Face Pressure Despite Favorable Outlook
Houston enters the series as the deeper and healthier team on paper, but expectations come with pressure.
Speaking on a conference call with media outlets, including Heavy Sports, former NBA champion Danny Green has pointed to areas of concern, particularly Houston’s inconsistency in close games due to the lack of experience in the backcourt, exacerbated by Fred Van Vleet’s absence.
“They have not fixed that issue,” Green said of the Rockets’ point guard situation. “At the trade deadline, they did nothing.”
He also cited their 22-23 record in clutch-time games as a potential weakness.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with their own setbacks. Coach JJ Redick has ruled out Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves indefinitely.
LeBron vs Durant Adds Historic Stakes
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets.
Saturday’s opener also carries added significance, as it could mark the final postseason meeting between LeBron James and Durant.
Even late in their careers, both stars remain productive. James averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games, while Durant extended his streak to 19 consecutive seasons averaging at least 25 points.
They have met three times in the playoffs — all in the NBA Finals — making this their first first-round meeting and potentially their last.
Lakers-Rockets Schedule Draws Attention
Game 1 tips off Saturday, April 18, but this series features longer breaks between games compared to other Western Conference matchups:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Game 1: Rockets at Lakers | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| April 21 | Game 2: Rockets at Lakers | 7:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| April 24 | Game 3: Lakers at Rockets | 5 p.m. | Prime Video |
| April 26 | Game 4: Lakers at Rockets | 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV |
| April 29 | Game 5: Rockets at Lakers* | TBD | TBD |
| May 1 | Game 6: Lakers at Rockets* | TBD | TBD |
| May 3 | Game 7: Rockets at Lakers* | TBD | TBD |
(*if necessary)
The spacing has drawn attention, with some observers noting it could provide additional recovery time for injured players — including Doncic and Reaves — though there has been no official indication from the NBA that the schedule was structured with that intent.
Durant’s Availability Remains Central
Houston is expected to control the series, but any uncertainty surrounding Durant introduces a variable.
“If they stretch it to six, then it’s trouble,” Green said.
For now, the Rockets appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario — but questions remain.
UPDATE: Rockets Make Final Kevin Durant Decision Just Before Lakers Game