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Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on in the second half while playing the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on January 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Houston Rockets could potentially miss their star forward, Kevin Durant, for Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, April 18.

According to the official injury report, Durant has been listed as questionable for the matchup. Durant’s possible absence is due to a right knee contusion.

It’s been quite some time since Durant has missed action for the Rockets, outside of his game off for the finale.

The star forward missed the Rockets’ February 2 matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Without him, they took care of business with a 118-114 win. Durant returned to the floor in the following game without any further complications.

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts /amduring the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

During his first season with the Rockets, Durant has appeared in 78 games. Seeing the court for 36.4 minutes per game, the star forward shot 52.0% from the field and 41.3% from three. He averaged 26.0 points per game.

Beyond his scoring, Durant came down with 5.5 rebounds per game and produced 4.8 assists per game.

The Lakers Are In Rough Shape

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Losing Durant for the Game 1 matchup would be a tough hit for the Rockets. After all, Durant hardly missed time this season. The Rockets haven’t prepared much without him.

However, the Lakers are certainly in worse shape. Two of their core players are out for Game 1. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered late-season injuries, which instantly put their playoff availability into question.

While the Lakers haven’t officially ruled them out for the series, the Rockets just might avoid the LA stars.

As a result, Houston has been heavily favored in the series. Still, they need to avoid falling into a trap and simply take care of business. While the Lakers defeated the Rockets two out of three times during the regular season, Houston has a chance to start the series off by stealing a win on the road on Saturday.

Durant is likely a game-time decision for the matchup.