Sean Barnard details the latest injury update on Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant ahead of the Game 1 matchup with the Lakers.
Published Apr 18, 2026 7:26 PM EDT
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 29, 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
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With just over 90 minutes until tip-off of Game 1 of the opening round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets have ruled out Kevin Durant due to a knee injury. The 16-time All-Star was previously listed as questionable with the ailment.
Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 against the Lakers tonight due to a right knee injury.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 18, 2026
The Rockets labeled the injury a right knee contusion, and Durant suffered this issue during practice this week. Houston hoped this would not be a major issue during the series, but they will have to play the opening matchup without the former MVP.
Houston added Kevin Durant to its young core this offseason, with the hopes that he would be the win-now addition to push them into the top contenders in the league. The four-time scoring champion suited up for 78 games this season, posting averages of 26 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 41.3% from beyond the three-point arc.
Following the news of Durant’s injury, the Rockets are now just 2.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Lakers are +120 underdogs, with the game total set at 207.5.
Stay tuned for updates on DK Network.
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