Rockets Open Playoff Series vs. Lakers Without Star Kevin Durant

Durant ruled out due to right knee injury suffered in practice

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:03am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, angular shapes and vibrant colors, depicting an abstracted basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. The players' forms are deconstructed into geometric planes, hinting at the game's action and energy.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the tension and intensity of the playoff matchup between the Rockets and Lakers, with star player Kevin Durant's absence adding an extra layer of uncertainty.Los Angeles Today

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out for the playoff series opener against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee injury he suffered in practice on Wednesday. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the injury is 'very tender' and is limiting Durant's movement, though no structural damage was found in medical imaging. The teams will play Game 2 on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Durant's absence is a significant blow for the Rockets, as he led the team in scoring during the regular season and has been a dominant force throughout his 19-year NBA career. His injury raises questions about the Rockets' ability to compete with the Lakers without their star player.

The details

Udoka said Durant 'bumped a knee' in practice on Wednesday and tried to play through it, but the injury was 'more than anything' and is limiting his movement. The Rockets will start Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Josh Okogie, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard in Game 1 without Durant.

  • Durant was injured in practice on Wednesday, April 16.
  • Game 1 of the Rockets-Lakers series is on Saturday, April 19.
  • Game 2 will be played on Tuesday, April 22.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 16-time NBA All-Star, the 2013-14 NBA MVP, and a two-time NBA champion, Durant is one of the league's all-time great players. He led the Rockets in scoring during the regular season, averaging 26.0 points per game.

Ime Udoka

The head coach of the Houston Rockets, Udoka provided an update on Durant's injury status ahead of Game 1 against the Lakers.

Jabari Smith Jr.

The Rockets' starting forward for Game 1 in Durant's absence.

Alperen Sengun

The Rockets' starting center for Game 1.

Josh Okogie

One of the Rockets' starting guards for Game 1.

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What they’re saying

“'He bumped a knee in practice on Wednesday. Hopefully, it's a one-game thing, but he tried it out just (a) short (time) ago and didn't feel good enough.'”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets

“'It's very tender, tough to bend certain ways. He hit it in a very awkward spot, I guess, more than anything. If he had a regular bumped knee, I think he could kind of play through that. But right above the knee, the patellar tendon area, up there, it's just very tender and sore.'”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets

What’s next

The Rockets and Lakers will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 22 in Los Angeles. The status of Kevin Durant for that game will be a key storyline to follow.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's injury is a significant setback for the Rockets as they try to upset the Lakers in the playoffs. Without their star player, the Rockets will need to find other ways to generate offense and compete with the more experienced Lakers team.