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HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media during NBA Media Day at Toyota Center on September 29, 2025 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)
On Saturday night, the Houston Rockets will play the Lakers in Los Angeles (for Game 1) of their first-round playoff series.
The Rockets will be without one of their best players, as Kevin Durant has been ruled out.
Underdog NBA wrote: “Kevin Durant (knee) ruled out Saturday.”
Kevin Durant (knee) ruled out Saturday.
Durant finished the 2025-26 regular season with averages of 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest while shooting 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range in 78 games.
GettyKevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Here’s what people were saying about the news:
Dan Woike: “Should be a reasonable amount of concern around Durant’s knee injury – missed just 4 games this season. Undoubtedly played through plenty of minor injuries throughout the year. Would imagine he was pretty limited when he tested it today.”
Trevor Lane: “With Kevin Durant out Game 1 shifts further into must-win territory for the Lakers. Hate seeing a player injured but LA has to take advantage”
Mike Trudell: “Kevin Durant is out for the Rockets. He bumped knees in practice this week.”
GettyKevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Team USA Stripes looks on during the 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome on February 15, 2026 in Inglewood, California.
Rachel Nichols: “These Rockets don’t have a ton of experience playing without Kevin Durant. The 37-year-old played in 78 games this season.”
Underdog NBA: “Kevin Durant this season: – 78 games played – 2,840 minutes played (2nd in NBA) – Most GP since pre-Achilles injury (2018-19) – Most MP since he was 25 (2013-14) Out for Game 1. Rockets went 4-0 in games without KD.”
Law Murray: “For what it’s worth — the Rockets were 4-0 this season without Kevin Durant this season”
Skip Bayless: “Wait, they just said on Prime that Kevin Durant is out tonight with a bruised knee he suffered in practice??? LEBRON: GAME 1 SHOULD BELONG TO Y0U AND YOUR LAKERS AT HOME. GET MAD AND GET EVEN WITH IME.”
GettyKevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Durant was traded to the Rockets (via the Phoenix Suns) over the offseason.
The NBA legend has also had stints with the OKC Thunder, Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets over 19 years as a pro.
His career averages are 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest while shooting 50.3% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range in 1,201 games.
GettyKevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media after the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Rockets are coming off a year where they lost in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
They last made the Western Conference finals in 2018.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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