After their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals, the Houston Rockets might feel an even greater sense of urgency to get Kevin Durant back in the lineup. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Monday that Durant made it through roughly half of Monday’s practice, and would be a game-time decision for Tuesday’s Game 2. Will Guillory of The Athletic observed Durant getting some shots up following practice, and said the forward appeared to be moving around “much better” than he had been a few nights ago.
Kevin Durant is here getting shots up after Rockets practice today in LA. Looks like he's got some type of tape on his right knee.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 20, 2026
Appears to be moving around much better than he was a few nights ago. pic.twitter.com/JI4HnCtFXB
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Durant is dealing with a deep bruise in his right patellar tendon, but that the Rockets are “optimistic” that he will be able to go in Game 2.
Durant abruptly showed up on the injury report before Game 1 after banging knees with a teammate in practice, and was ruled out for the series opener. The Rockets missed him badly in a 107-98 loss to a shorthanded Lakers team.
Durant had hoped to play through the injury, but Udoka said he simply would not have been able to in Game 1. Houston fans will be holding their breath that this is not the case again on Tuesday.
