Durant ruled out for Game 1 vs. Lakers
Houston Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant won't play in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday due to a right knee contusion.
"Hopefully it's a one-game thing," head coach Ime Udoka said ahead of the contest, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
Reed Sheppard will step into the starting lineup in Durant's place, joining Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Josh Okogie.
Durant missed just four regular-season games for the Rockets, including a day off for rest in their finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 37-year-old put up 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest this season while shooting 41.3% from distance.
The Lakers will be without their top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to respective hamstring and oblique strains.