UPDATE: Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant will miss tonight’s game against the Phoenix Suns due to personal reasons, delaying his anticipated return to the city where he played for 2 1/2 seasons. This sudden announcement comes as the Rockets prepare for their matchup on Monday night at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
Durant, a 15-time All-Star and the Rockets’ leading scorer this season, was officially listed as out on the Rockets’ injury report released on Sunday night. The absence of the prolific scorer, who averaged 26.8 points over 145 regular season games with the Suns from 2023 to 2025, is a significant blow for Houston, which currently boasts a strong 10-4 record.
The 37-year-old Durant was traded to the Rockets in an extensive seven-team deal during the offseason, which notably sent Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and the No. 10 overall pick to the Suns. That pick was utilized by Phoenix to draft Khaman Maluach from Duke. The Rockets recently secured Durant with a two-year extension that will keep him in Houston through 2028.
The Suns, meanwhile, are also performing well, improving to 11-6 after a solid 111-102 victory against the San Antonio Spurs earlier today. With both teams in contention, tonight’s game was poised to be a highlight of the season, making Durant’s absence even more impactful.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Rockets will adjust their strategy without their star player. As the situation develops, the Rockets will need to rally together to maintain their strong start to the season.
Stay tuned for further updates on Durant’s status and its implications for the Rockets as they navigate this pivotal moment in their season.
