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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets are starting the 2026 NBA Playoffs shorthanded. On Saturday night, the Rockets are going to pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers without Kevin Durant in the lineup.

While Durant’s absence isn’t a total surprise, the recent downgrade on the injury report has come as a bit of a mystery. All week long, Durant has been practicing for the Rockets in preparation for Game 1. When the injury report was released on Friday night, Durant was downgraded to questionable due to a knee contusion.

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Durant was out on the court for his pregame warmups on Saturday night. However, that wasn’t an indication that he was playing. After testing his knee out, Durant and the Rockets decided it would be best if he took the night off. Now, his status moving forward is in question.

Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka Explains The Setback

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 05: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on December 05, 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)

via Rachel Nichols on X: “Rockets Kevin Durant (knee) is out for tonight’s game vs the Lakers. He tried to go a few hours ago and couldn’t. Day-to-day from here on out.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka says that Kevin Durant hit the knee “in an awkward spot” above the patella tendon during practice Wednesday. Udoka says imaging showed “nothing major” but that Durant’s knee is “very tender and tough to bend in certain ways.” Not sure how long he’ll be out.”

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets brings the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 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)

Durant’s absence is a major blow for the Rockets on Saturday night, who had a massive advantage initially.

The LA Lakers are without two core guys. Austin Reaves is dealing with an oblique injury, while Luka Doncic is out with a hamstring injury. Both players are key offensive producers for the Lakers. Over the last two games, the Lakers and the Rockets clashed, Doncic dominated in the scoring department. Somebody else will have to fill the void on Saturday.

In three games against the Lakers this season, Durant has averaged 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists.

Game 1 between the Lakers and the Rockets will begin at 8: 30 PM ET. The next time Durant could return to the court comes on Tuesday, April 21, when Game 2 takes place in Los Angeles, California.