The injury comes as Houston weighs its options for a series opener, especially if Durant is unable to play. Durant hasn’t missed many games this season, apart from a February 2 matchup against Indiana; Houston won that game 118-114 without him, and he returned in the next contest without further issues.
During his first season with the Rockets, Durant appeared in 78 games, averaging 36.4 minutes per game. He shot 52.0 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three, contributing 26.0 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are dealing with injuries of their own. Two core players are out for Game 1, with late-season injuries sidelining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and putting their playoff availability in question. While Los Angeles has not officially ruled them out for the series, their status remains uncertain.
Despite the potential setback for Durant, Houston has been favored to win the series. The Rockets face a Lakers squad dealing with injuries, and Houston can consider a road upset as a legitimate path to seize early momentum.
Durant’s status for Game 1 remains a game-time decision, and the Rockets will monitor the outcome closely as they start the postseason series against Los Angeles.
