Kevin Durant Ruled Out Of Game 1 vs. Lakers in Playoffs Series

TL;DR

Kevin Durant has been ruled out of Game 1 against the Lakers in the NBA Playoffs due to a knee injury. Although the injury is described as mild, it is serious enough to prevent him from playing.

Key points

Kevin Durant ruled out of Game 1 against the Lakers
Injury described as mild but serious enough to sit out
Houston Rockets face Los Angeles Lakers in playoffs

Kevin DurantHouston RocketsLos Angeles Lakers

In a surprising turn of events that has unfolded in the Los Angeles Lakers’ favor over the past 24 hours, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out of Game 1 of the First Round NBA Playoff series.

Durant was listed as questionable for Saturday’s series opener against the Lakers after Friday’s last round of practices for the game, with a knee injury listed as the reason.

However, according to an ESPN report, it was described as “mild,” but it is clearly serious enough for him to sit out the first game of the series.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) holds a basketball during a timeout during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Durant led the Rockets with 26.0 points per game in 78 regular-season appearances, one of the healthiest years of his career.

Josh Okogie will be starting in Durant’s absence, according to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka.

Durant is 37 years old, and his outlook must be concerning for the team to hold him out. The Rockets have a clear talent advantage with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for the Lakers, and while they will miss at least a handful more games, ending the early as soon as possible gives them the best chance to win.

Q&A

Why is Kevin Durant not playing in Game 1 against the Lakers?

Kevin Durant is not playing due to a knee injury that has been deemed serious enough to rule him out for the game.

What is the nature of Kevin Durant's knee injury?

The knee injury is described as mild, but it has led to his absence from Game 1 of the playoff series.

How does Kevin Durant's absence affect the Rockets in the playoffs?

Durant's absence is a significant setback for the Rockets as they face the Lakers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.