Rockets Announce Concerning Injury Update on Kevin Durant

The Rockets may be without their superstar to open the playoffs against the Lakers.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, with the players' forms fractured and deconstructed into abstract shapes and planes of color.Injuries to star players like Kevin Durant could reshape the dynamics of the Rockets-Lakers playoff matchup.Los Angeles Today

The Houston Rockets have listed Kevin Durant as questionable for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee contusion. Durant has not missed a game due to injury all season, but the Rockets are already without Fred VanVleet due to a torn ACL, potentially leaving them short-handed in the backcourt against the Lakers.

Why it matters

Durant's injury could have a significant impact on the Rockets' chances of upsetting the Lakers in the playoffs. The Rockets have been a surprise team this season, but losing their leading scorer and one of the NBA's all-time greats would be a major blow. The Lakers are also dealing with their own injury issues, so this series could come down to which team is healthier.

The details

According to the Rockets' injury report, Durant was listed as questionable for Game 1 due to a right knee contusion. He has not missed a game due to injury all season, though he did sit out the team's season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Rockets are already without Fred VanVleet, who suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, leaving them thin in the backcourt if Durant is unable to play.

  • The Rockets submitted their injury report on Friday night, almost exactly 24 hours before Game 1 against the Lakers.
  • Durant did not play in the Rockets' season finale on April 12 against the Grizzlies.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 16-time NBA All-Star and one of the league's all-time great players, Durant is the Rockets' leading scorer and a key to their playoff hopes.

Fred VanVleet

The Rockets' starting point guard, VanVleet suffered a torn ACL in the preseason and has been ruled out for the playoffs.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player, Doncic is also dealing with an injury and his status for the playoffs is uncertain.

Austin Reaves

A key role player for the Lakers, Reaves is also injured and his status is unclear.

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What’s next

The Rockets and Lakers will tip off Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night in Houston. The status of Durant and other injured players will be closely monitored leading up to the game.

The takeaway

The Rockets' playoff hopes could hinge on the health of Kevin Durant, as losing their superstar would be a major blow against the Lakers. Both teams are dealing with key injuries, making this series even more unpredictable.