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          Rockets' Kevin Durant (knee) questionable for Game 1 vs. Lakers

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          Stephen A.: KD hasn't been relevant in the postseason in years (1:37)

          Stephen A. Smith explains why he believes Kevin Durant has more on the line than LeBron James does in the Rockets' series vs. the Lakers. (1:37)

          • Tim MacMahonApr 17, 2026, 09:02 PM ET
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            • Joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009
            • Covers the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks
            • Appears regularly on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM
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          Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers because of a right knee contusion.

          A source told ESPN that Durant sustained the injury during practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic his knee will not be a significant issue during the series.

          The fourth-seeded Lakers are short-handed entering the series, playing without stars Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) because of injuries they suffered during their April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

          Lakers coach JJ Redick said Tuesday that Doncic and Reaves are out "indefinitely" with no update expected this week.

          Durant, 37, averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in his first season with the Rockets. He played in 78 games, his most in a season since 2018-19.