Kevin Durant to Miss Series Opener Against Lakers With Knee Contusion
kevin-durant-out-game-1-knee-contusion
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant has been ruled out of Saturday night’s Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a right knee contusion, head coach Ime Udoka told reporters.
Durant was hurt during Wednesday’s practice when he collided with a teammate, according to multiple reports. Udoka said imaging showed no structural damage and described the injury as significant soreness just above the knee. “It’s very tender. It’s tough to bend in certain ways,” Udoka said.
The 37-year-old veteran averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 78 games during his first season with Houston after arriving from Phoenix last summer. He ranked second in the league in minutes played (2,840) while shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point range. The Rockets were plus-88 when he was on the court.
Houston went 4-0 without Durant during the regular season, logging wins over Phoenix and Golden State in November, Indiana in February and Memphis in the finale. With Durant sidelined Saturday, the Rockets will start Reed Sheppard, Amen Thompson, Josh Okogie, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun.
The Lakers will also be shorthanded, as guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain out with their own injuries.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is set for Tuesday, and Game 3 will be played Friday, giving Durant several days to recover.
Source: Hoops Rumors
