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Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on January 15, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets were able to keep their season alive on Sunday evening against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4. Even without Kevin Durant on the court, the Rockets dominated the game and won by a final score of 115-96.

Durant has missed all but one game in the series due to a knee injury that he suffered in practice.

With Game 5 scheduled to be played on Wednesday night, questions have been swirling about Durant’s status. Fans are hoping to see him back on the court, but a new update has provided a less than ideal outlook for the 37-year-old superstar.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania during a Monday appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show,” Houston is preparing to play Game 5 without Durant on the court.

“I think the Rockets are preparing to play without Kevin Durant in Game 5,” Charania said.

Kevin Durant May Have Played His Last Game With Rockets

According to a report from Hoops HQ’s Evan Sidery, who was formerly a reporter for Forbes, Durant’s tenure with the Rockets might be over. He also suggested two potential trade destinations to watch heading into the NBA offseason.

“There’s some buzz building that Kevin Durant may have already played his final game with the Rockets,” Sidery wrote.

“Durant, who signed an extension before the season, is under contract for $43.9 million in 2026-27. The Heat and Knicks could be teams to monitor, if Durant wants out yet again.”