Originally published by LakersNation.com
The Houston Rockets released an updated injury report for Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) is out. Durant was originally listed as questionable, a surprise injury designation, although it was hard to imagine that he would miss a playoff game until Ime Udoka confirmed it pregame.
After news came out that Durant was questionable, it was reported that the Rockets star banged knees with a teammate during practice on Thursday. While he will sit out in Game 1, his availability will be something to monitor throughout the series.
On the season, the 16-time All-Star played an impressive 78 games. The last time he played in that many games was in 2018-19. With that, he averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 52% from the field and 43.4% from 3-point range.
Durant possesses a narrow frame and perhaps that played a factor in the contusion becoming a more serious issue than anticipated. It will be intriguing to see how Udoka manages his lineups with Durant out, but he revealed Reed Sheppard will enter the starting lineup.
Leg injuries have been an issue for the 37-year-old, specifically dealing with an ankle issue this year. But when it comes to the postseason, players are typically dealing with varying ailments that they opt to play through so this comes as a surprise.
In this first round series against Los Angeles, Houston is viewed as the overwhelming favorites due to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both being sidelined. But, the excitement remained with LeBron James facing off against Durant, although that won’t be happening in the first game,
Game 1 tends to set the tone for a series and the Rockets do not want to give a shorthanded Lakers team any hope that they can pull off an upset. By not having the four-time scoring champion available on Saturday, they put themselves in position to potentially fall behind in the series.
Marcus Smart discusses challenge of guarding Kevin Durant
If the Lakers hope to find any way of coming out of the first round, it starts with cutting the water off for Durant whenever he returns. In their March meetings in Houston, L.A. proved to find an effective method by throwing various coverages at Durant.
Notably, double-teaming and blitzing forced the Rockets star to make quick, rushed decisions, often resulting in turnovers. However, he still remains one of the most efficient scorers ever and will find ways to put points up on the board.
Now in a seven game series, stakes are heightened and the Lakers need to be dialed in on defense. When it comes to stopping Durant in a playoff setting, Marcus Smart discussed the challenges that come with guarding him.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
The Houston Rockets released an updated injury report for Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) is out. Durant was originally listed as questionable, a surprise injury designation, although it was hard to imagine that he would miss a playoff game until Ime Udoka confirmed it pregame.
After news came out that Durant was questionable, it was reported that the Rockets star banged knees with a teammate during practice on Thursday. While he will sit out in Game 1, his availability will be something to monitor throughout the series.
On the season, the 16-time All-Star played an impressive 78 games. The last time he played in that many games was in 2018-19. With that, he averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists on 52% from the field and 43.4% from 3-point range.
Durant possesses a narrow frame and perhaps that played a factor in the contusion becoming a more serious issue than anticipated. It will be intriguing to see how Udoka manages his lineups with Durant out, but he revealed Reed Sheppard will enter the starting lineup.
Leg injuries have been an issue for the 37-year-old, specifically dealing with an ankle issue this year. But when it comes to the postseason, players are typically dealing with varying ailments that they opt to play through so this comes as a surprise.
In this first round series against Los Angeles, Houston is viewed as the overwhelming favorites due to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both being sidelined. But, the excitement remained with LeBron James facing off against Durant, although that won’t be happening in the first game,
Game 1 tends to set the tone for a series and the Rockets do not want to give a shorthanded Lakers team any hope that they can pull off an upset. By not having the four-time scoring champion available on Saturday, they put themselves in position to potentially fall behind in the series.
Marcus Smart discusses challenge of guarding Kevin Durant
If the Lakers hope to find any way of coming out of the first round, it starts with cutting the water off for Durant whenever he returns. In their March meetings in Houston, L.A. proved to find an effective method by throwing various coverages at Durant.
Notably, double-teaming and blitzing forced the Rockets star to make quick, rushed decisions, often resulting in turnovers. However, he still remains one of the most efficient scorers ever and will find ways to put points up on the board.
Now in a seven game series, stakes are heightened and the Lakers need to be dialed in on defense. When it comes to stopping Durant in a playoff setting, Marcus Smart discussed the challenges that come with guarding him.
If you love our reporting, choose LakersNation.com as a preferred source on Google.
