Overview
- Hours before Saturday’s tip in Los Angeles, Rockets coach Ime Udoka ruled Kevin Durant out with a right knee contusion after pregame testing.
- Udoka said Durant bumped knees in practice on Wednesday and called the injury tender but not structural, adding he hopes the forward misses only one game.
- The Rockets started Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie, replacing Durant’s 26-point scoring load with more youth and defense.
- The Lakers kept Luka Dončić (Grade 2 left hamstring) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique) out indefinitely for Game 1, with reports noting typical 3–6 week timelines and elevated reinjury risk.
- Los Angeles named Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton as starters, while Dončić returned from treatment in Europe and is expected on the bench as the team tries to extend the series.