Rockets' Durant and Lakers' Doncic, Reaves Out for Game 1 Due to Injuries
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant will sit out the first game of the playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers after suffering a right knee contusion in practice. Coach Ime Udoka expressed hope that the absence would be limited to one game. The Lakers will also be without key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the matchup.
cbssports.comHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee contusion. The injury occurred during practice in Houston. Game 1 is in Los Angeles.
Injury Details
Durant injured his right knee in the practice session, according to Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
Udoka described the injury as a right knee contusion. He stated, 'Hopefully, it’s a one-game thing' regarding Durant's status.
Durant's Season Performance
Durant served as the Houston Rockets' leading scorer during the 2025-26 season.
He averaged 26 points per game across 76 games. Ime Udoka coaches the Houston Rockets.
Lakers' Absences
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without key players for Game 1.
The matchup pits the Rockets against the Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-20
Game 1 of Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers scheduled in Los Angeles
1 source4 - 2026-04-17
Kevin Durant injured his right knee during practice in Houston
1 source1 - 2025-26 Season
Kevin Durant averaged 26 points per game in 76 games as Rockets' leading scorer
2 sources6 · 7 - Ongoing
Ime Udoka coaches the Houston Rockets
1 source10 - 2026-04-20
Lakers without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for Game 1
2 sources8 · 9 - Post-Injury
Udoka says 'Hopefully, it’s a one-game thing' about Durant's injury
1 source5
Potential Impact
- 01
Rockets may face reduced offensive output without leading scorer Durant
- 02
Lakers' performance could be affected by absences of Doncic and Reaves
- 03
Series dynamics shift with key players missing on both sides
- 04
Playoff intensity increases focus on team depth for Houston
- 05
Durant's quick return possible if injury is minor as hoped
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