| News |
|---|
|
Kevin Durant Report: Kevin Durant (ankle) to miss Game 6
Thu, Apr 30, 2026, 3:01 AM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Kevin Durant (ankle) will not be available for Friday's Game 6 against the Lakers.
Analysis: Having suffered a tendon bruise in his knee before the series, Durant has been out since Game 2 due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. His continued absence means another start for Reed Sheppard, while the Rockets will also require more production from Alperen ?engün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. Sheppard played 35 minutes in Wednesday's Game 5 victory, finishing with 12 points, six assists, three steals and two three-pointers. |
|
Amen Thompson Amen Thompson plays 46 minutes in Game 5 victory
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 6:55 PM
Law Murray
Amen Thompson amassed 15 points (4-of-14 FGs, 5-of-8 FTs), seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and two three-pointers in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Thompson exited Game 5 with 6:23 remaining in the second quarter, sitting for just over one minute before returning to action. And that would be the last time that the Rockets' wing rested outside of halftime, and he played 46 of a possible 48 minutes. Not known for his perimeter shooting ability, Thompson hit two corner three-pointers in Game 5, somewhat making up for a 2-of-9 effort from inside the arc. Whether or not the shots are falling, Thompson is a critical member of the Rockets' rotation, which means that he's going to log heavy minutes on a nightly basis. |
|
Alperen Sengun Alperen ?engün posts 14/9/8/2/1 line in Game 5 win
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 6:55 PM
Alperen ?engün accounted for 14 points (5-of-9 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one blocked shot in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: ?engün and the Rockets have staved off elimination twice, most recently limiting the Lakers to 93 points in Game 5. He was not as productive scoring-wise on Wednesday, but the Rockets' center finished with solid numbers in the rebound, assist and steal categories. That said, ?engün must be better on the glass in Game 6, even if he isn't the Rockets player corralling every available rebound. Lakers center Deandre Ayton grabbed ten offensive rebounds in Game 5, with that production being one reason why the Lakers had a chance to win the game late. |
|
Tari Eason Tari Eason drops 18 points in Game 5 victory
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 6:54 PM
Tari Eason tallied 18 points (6-of-11 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), five rebounds, one assist, one block and two three-pointers in Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: After dropping 20 points as part of a complete stat line in Houston's Game 4 victory, Eason came through with another solid performance in Game 5. The Rockets forward shot 4-of-5 from inside the arc, with foul trouble being the reason why he played just 31 minutes. Houston will need Eason to remain on the floor longer for Game 6, especially now that Austin Reaves is back in the Lakers' rotation. The Rockets host the Lakers on Friday, needing a win to force a Game 7. |
|
Jabari Smith Jabari Smith Jr. scores 22 as HOU forces Game 6
Wed, Apr 29, 2026, 6:54 PM
Jabari Smith Jr. finished Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Lakers with 22 points (6-of-13 FGs, 6-of-8 FTs), seven rebounds, three steals, two blocks and four three-pointers.
Analysis: No team has ever won a best-of-7 series after losing the first three games, but the Rockets are halfway to making history. After shooting 4-of-15 from the field in Game 4, Smith was better in Game 5. The 6-foot-10 forward led the Rockets in scoring on Wednesday, shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and his stat line lacked only a steal. The series returns to Houston for Game 6 on Friday, and the Rockets should feel confident about their chances of forcing a Game 7. |
|
Kevin Durant Kevin Durant (ankle) to remain out for Game 5
Tue, Apr 28, 2026, 2:27 PM
NBA Injury Report
Kevin Durant (ankle) has been ruled out for Game 5 against the Lakers on Wednesday.
Analysis: Despite it being another elimination game for the Rockets, Durant still won't be available to suit up. Reed Sheppard should continue to start after scoring 17 points in Houston's Game 4 victory. If they're able to extend the series, there is a chance Durant is able to make a return to the court, which would help the Rockets' chances of making history by coming back from down 0-3. |
|
Tari Eason Tari Eason racks up five steals in Game 4 blowout
Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 6:45 PM
Tari Eason produced 20 points (7-of-10 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), eight rebounds, two assists, five steals, one block and two three-pointers in Sunday's Game 4 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Eason was one of four Rockets to record at least three steals in Game 4, and the team finished with a staggering 19 on the night. His five steals were a playoff career-high for the Rockets forward, who also rebounded nicely from poor shooting in Games 2 and 3. In those defeats, Eason totaled 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field. And with Kevin Durant (ankle) injured, Houston can't afford to have Eason struggling with his shot. They'll hope that he can carry his Game 4 performance into Game 5 on Wednesday. |
|
Alperen Sengun Alperen ?engün scores 19 points in Game 4 victory
Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 6:43 PM
Alperen ?engün recorded 19 points (6-of-12 FGs, 7-of-13 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot in Sunday's Game 4 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: ?engün was one of five Rockets starters to finish the Game 4 victory in double figures, and he's scored at least 19 points in all four games. The Rockets' center was not as productive as he was in Game 3, but ?engün's receiving help from multiple teammates factored into Houston's ability to extend the series to Game 5. Over the last two games, he has shot a combined 21-of-39 from the field, totaling 52 points, while also accounting for 22 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocked shots. |
|
Amen Thompson Amen Thompson drops game-high 23 points in Game 4
Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 6:43 PM
Amen Thompson accumulated 23 points (10-of-16 FGs, 3-of-3 FTs), four rebounds, seven assists and one steal in Sunday's Game 4 win over the Lakers.
Analysis: Thompson and the Rockets avoided the sweep with a commanding victory in Game 4, with their defense leading the way. Houston forced 23 turnovers on the night, leading to 30 points off turnovers. Add in 23 fast break points, and the Rockets were able to coast to a 19-point victory. Thompson, who logged 41 minutes, led the way offensively in both points and assists, and he has totaled 49 points over the last two games. The Rockets will need similar production in Game 5 on Wednesday. |
|
Kevin Durant Reports: Kevin Durant (ankle) to sit out Game 4
Sun, Apr 26, 2026, 10:04 AM
Shams Charania
According to multiple outlets, Kevin Durant (ankle) has not been cleared to play in Sunday's Game 4 against the Lakers.
Analysis: With their season on the line, the Rockets will go into Game 4 without their leading scorer. Despite around-the-clock treatment, the veteran wing has not been cleared to play through an injury that would likely sideline him for multiple weeks during the regular season. Reed Sheppard is in line to make another start, and the Rockets will need increased offensive production from Alperen ?engün. |
|
Kevin Durant Kevin Durant (ankle) questionable Sunday vs. LAL
Sat, Apr 25, 2026, 8:18 AM
Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's Game 4 against the Lakers.
Analysis: Durant missed Game 1 with a knee tendon bruise before coming back for Game 2 and spraining his ankle. The 37-year-old small forward appeared to be away from the team after being ruled out for Game 3, which was another Rockets loss. Now he's questionable for Game 4 on Sunday. Reed Sheppard would return to the bench if Durant is available. |
|
Alperen Sengun Alperen Sengun has 33/16/6 line in Game 3 loss
Fri, Apr 24, 2026, 5:35 PM
Alperen Sengun had 33 points (15-of-27 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), 16 rebounds, six assists, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in Friday's Game 3 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: By almost any measure, Sengun had a great game in Game 3. He had 33 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. He added three steals and a block on the defensive end. He finished +10 in 47 minutes played including overtime. Still, without Kevin Durant (ankle), the Rockets collapsed down the stretch of regulation and the Lakers took total control of the series with the overtime win. Sengun and the Rockets will be playing to avoid elimination in Game 4 on Sunday. |
|
Kevin Durant Shams: Kevin Durant (ankle) out for Game 3 Friday
Fri, Apr 24, 2026, 12:40 PM
Shams Charania
ESPN's Shams Charania reports Kevin Durant (ankle) is out for Game 3 against the Lakers on Friday.
Analysis: Durant missed Game 1 with a tendon bruise in his right knee and is now set to miss Game 3 with a sprained left ankle he suffered in Game 2. Reed Sheppard is an option to move into the starting lineup with Durant out. The injury is certainly a blow to the Rockets and a break for the Lakers. |
|
Kevin Durant Kevin Durant (ankle) questionable for Game 3
Thu, Apr 23, 2026, 11:21 AM
NBA Injury Report
Kevin Durant (ankle) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Lakers.
Analysis: Durant, who missed Game 1 with a tendon bruise in his right knee, is now dealing with a sprained left ankle. With the Rockets in a 0-2 hole, they can ill afford to be without their best offensive player in Game 3. Reed Sheppard would return to the starting lineup if Durant can't play. |
|
Kevin Durant Kevin Durant has 23 points in Game 2 loss
Tue, Apr 21, 2026, 7:43 PM
Kevin Durant had 23 points (7-of-12 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), six rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block and one three-pointer in Tuesday's Game 2 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: While Durant otherwise had a nice game offensively as he led the Rockets with 23 points on 12 attempts from the field, his nine turnovers in Game 2 were glaring. The 37-year-old small forward returned for Game 2 after missing the first game of the series with a knee tendon bruise. Durant and the Rockets will have to regroup and try to hold serve as the series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday. |
|
Kevin Durant Shams: Kevin Durant (knee) available for Game 2
Tue, Apr 21, 2026, 3:16 PM
Shams Charania
Kevin Durant (knee) is available for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Analysis: Durant missed Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Lakers with a knee tendon bruise. The 27-year-old small forward is back for Game 2, according to Charania. Durant will face off in the playoffs against LeBron James for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals. |
|
Kevin Durant Kevin Durant (knee) limited during Monday practice
Mon, Apr 20, 2026, 10:06 AM
Will Guillory
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said that Kevin Durant (knee) participated in about half of Monday's practice.
Analysis: Due to a right knee contusion, Durant did not play in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Lakers. The veteran forward's ability to participate in half of Monday's session is not a good sign, even with Udoka saying that Durant will be a game-time decision for Tuesday's Game 2. Reed Sheppard moved into the starting lineup in the series opener and struggled, shooting 6-of-20 from the field in 36 minutes of action. If Durant remains out, they'll need more production from Sheppard and Alperen ?engün to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole. |
|
Jabari Smith Jabari Smith Jr. posts double-double vs. Lakers
Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 5:37 PM
Jabari Smith Jr. accounted for 16 points (5-of-14 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), 12 rebounds, two steals and three three-pointers in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: Smith finished Saturday's defeat with playoff career-highs in points and rebounds, recording his first postseason double-double. He shot 3-of-9 from beyond the arc in Game 1, with the percentage being a few points lower than his mark during the regular season (36.3 percent). Smith is one of many Rockets who benefit from Kevin Durant's presence on the floor; the veteran scorer did not play on Saturday due to a right knee contusion. If Durant can return for Tuesday's Game 2, it would be unsurprising if Smith offered a more efficient stat line. |
|
Amen Thompson Amen Thompson scores 17 points in Game 1 defeat
Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 5:35 PM
Amen Thompson notched 17 points (7-of-18 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one blocked shot in Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis: After scoring a career-high 41 points in his final outing of the regular season, Thompson was held to less than half that number on Saturday. While he didn't have a terrible night shooting the basketball, the Rockets' guard's inability to consistently hit jumpers can put him in a challenging spot when the opposition is locked in defensively. The Lakers were able to make Thompson play in a crowd for most of Game 1, limiting his effectiveness as a scorer. Getting Kevin Durant (knee) back for Tuesday's Game 2 will help the entire Rockets' roster, not just Thompson. |
|
Alperen Sengun Alperen ?engün records 19/8/6/2/1 line vs. Lakers
Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 5:34 PM
Alperen ?engün finished Saturday's Game 1 loss to the Lakers with 19 points (6-of-19 FGs, 7-of-9 FTs), eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and one blocked shot.
Analysis: With no Kevin Durant (knee) in the fold for Game 1, this felt like a spot in which the Rockets would run even more of their offense through ?engün. While he did attempt 19 shots, there were moments when ?engün was not as involved in the offense as he should be. The final stat line was solid, but the Rockets are going to need more from him, regardless of Durant's availability for the rest of the series. Houston will look to even the series at one game apiece on Tuesday night. |
Connect With Us:
