In a setback for the Houston Rockets, star forward Kevin Durant will be sidelined for Game 1 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee injury sustained during practice. Coach Ime Udoka reported that Durant bumped his knee on Wednesday, and while medical imaging showed no structural damage, the injury has left him with limited movement. Durant led the Rockets in scoring this season with an average of 26 points per game, along with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. In his absence, Udoka will start Reed Sheppard alongside Josh Okogie, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun. The Rockets finished the season strong, winning nine of their last ten games, earning them the No. 4 seed against the No. 5-seeded Lakers. The Lakers will also be without key players, including Luka Doncic, who is dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and Austin Reaves, who has a Grade 2 left oblique strain. This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they aim to advance in the playoffs.