Los Angeles Lakers
May 2026
Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 6, overcoming injuries to key players with a strong defensive performance. LeBron James led the scoring effort while the Lakers limited Houston to their lowest point total of the season. Team resilience and defensive intensity proved decisive in closing out the series.
Kevin Durant
April 2026
Kevin Durant is unlikely to return for Game 5 against the Lakers as he continues recovering from an ankle injury, leaving Houston facing a crucial playoff clash without their star forward. Durant has missed multiple games with a sprain and bone bruise, focusing on conditioning work rather than full practice. The Rockets remain cautious, assessing his fitness daily before deciding on potential involvement in the elimination game.
Kevin Durant
April 2026
Kevin Durant missed Houston’s playoff opener against the Lakers because of a bruised right knee suffered in practice. The Rockets still believe it may only cost him one game. Udoka said Durant tested the knee but did not feel well enough to play because of pain and restricted movement. Scans found no structural damage, and Houston remain hopeful he can return quickly as the series continues.
Kevin Durant
April 2026
Kevin Durant missed Game 1 of Houston’s playoff series against the Lakers with a right knee injury suffered in practice. The Rockets do not believe it is a long-term problem, but they had to begin the series without their leading scorer. Ime Udoka said Durant tested the knee but could not move comfortably enough to play. Houston hopes the issue is only worth one game, and Reed Sheppard stepped into the lineup while the Lakers also continue without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
April 2026
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will not be back in time for the start of the Lakers’ playoff series against Houston, leaving Los Angeles without its two top scorers for Game 1. JJ Redick said both are out indefinitely, with Doncic still recovering from a hamstring strain and Reaves dealing with an oblique injury. Their absences leave LeBron James carrying more of the offensive load as the Lakers open the series against the Rockets.
Joel Embiid
April 2026
Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will undergo surgery, ruling him out immediately as Philadelphia fight for Eastern Conference playoff positioning. The 76ers are eighth and still trying to avoid the play-in while only one game behind sixth-place Toronto. The team first listed Embiid out with illness, then confirmed the appendicitis diagnosis and surgery in Houston. He has played only 38 games this season, averaging 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, and there is no return timeline yet.
Stephen Curry
April 2026
Stephen Curry is set to return for Golden State against Houston after missing 27 straight games with a right knee issue. His comeback gives the Warriors a major lift as they try to stabilise their season and push through the play-in race. Curry said the rehab included long and frustrating setbacks, with pain repeatedly returning after workouts. He is officially listed as questionable, but the expectation is that he will play if there is no last-minute setback, likely with managed minutes.
Naz Reid
March 2026
Naz Reid has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for questioning the integrity of game officials after Minnesota’s overtime win against Houston. The punishment followed an incident late in the game that led to a technical foul and ejection for the Timberwolves big man. The league said Reid’s comments crossed the line into questioning official integrity, which triggered the fine. The incident occurred with just over four minutes left in overtime of Minnesota’s 110-108 victory over the Rockets at Target Center
Russell Westbrook
March 2026
Sacramento said Russell Westbrook remains out after MRI imaging showed irritation in the joint of his right big toe, while Keegan Murray has been cleared to begin contact basketball activities as he works back from a left ankle sprain. The Kings stated that Westbrook will stay out and be monitored further, while Murray’s re-evaluation showed enough progress for the next phase of recovery. His return to contact work marks a significant step toward game availability, though no final date was announced.
Kevin Durant
March 2026
Kevin Durant moved past Michael Jordan into fifth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list after scoring 27 points in Houston’s win over Miami. The milestone adds another historic marker to Durant’s scoring legacy as he continues producing at an elite level deep into his career. Durant entered the game needing 69 points across the week to overtake Jordan and completed the climb with two late three-pointers, finishing on 32,294 career points. Amen Thompson then tipped in Durant’s missed shot at the buzzer to seal a 123-122 victory for Houston
