Kevin Durant is doubtful for Saturday’s opener with a right knee bruise. According to ESPN, the injury occurred in practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic that it won’t be a major issue in this series.
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Durant played all but four games this season for the Rockets, who opted to rest him for the regular season finale on Sunday. Assuming he plays, he will be looking for his first playoff win since 2023.
It will be the Lakers who will have the biggest problems, as their two stars, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, will be out indefinitely with a hamstring and oblique strain, respectively. It’s unclear when they’ll be able to return, if the Lakers can get past the Rockets.
Even after Durant’s injury was reported, the Rockets remain a -600 favorite at BetMGM to reach the Western Conference semifinals, where the defending champion and top seed Oklahoma City Thunder are likely waiting.