Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant missed Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a right knee injury.
Head coach Ime Udoka explained that Durant had collided knees with a teammate during practice earlier in the week.
Udoka added that Durant being out was “Hopefully it’s a one-game thing”.
The Lakers were also without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, leaving three All-Star caliber players unavailable for Game 1.
Los Angeles aimed to extend the series as much as possible, hoping that either Doncic or Reaves might be able to return before the first round concluded.
Kevin Durant To Miss Game 1 Vs Lakers With Right Knee Injury https://t.co/w1mbXDB2Nz
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 18, 2026
