yahoo - 4/21/2026 2:19:27 PM - GMT (+2 )
The Houston Rocketsdropped Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, in large part due to the fact that their superstar forward Kevin Durant missed the game with a knee injury he suffered in practice earlier that week.
The Rockets failed to secure the win despite Los Angeles missing both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, who remain out with hamstring and oblique injuries, respectively.
Clearly, the Rockets need Durant to return sooner than later. However, his return date may not come tonight for the team's second road game of the series Tuesday, April 21. He was still listed as questionable on injury reports Monday night with a right knee contusion.
Here's the latest on Kevin Durant's injury and when the 16-time All-Star might return:
The New York Times reports that Rockets' coach Ime Udoka believes Kevin Durant will be a game-time decision for Game 2 in Los Angeles.
Reports also indicate that Durant has been seen on the court during practice going through drills and moving "fairly well."
What is wrong with Durant?Udoka noted that Durant's issue is not one of pain, but of mobility.
"Mobility probably [is most important], Udoka said Monday, April 20. "The pain tolerance is one thing, but actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing."
Udoka also noted that the Rockets needed to play with more urgency, something that Durant's presence would certainly help with. He said, "We did a lot of things well. We won a lot of areas. But our efficiency and, I think, our shot creation and our shot quality can be a lot better."
When do Rockets play Lakers next?Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers is Tuesday, April 21 in Los Angeles. The game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. local) and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Durant injury update: Game status for Rockets vs Lakers today
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