Kevin Durant’s Absence from Upcoming Games
In a significant development for the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant will be absent from their lineup for two upcoming games this week. The star forward is set to miss the clash against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, followed by another absence for the Wednesday matchup with the Golden State Warriors. This news comes as Durant deals with a private family issue, although specific details regarding the matter have not been disclosed, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Expected Return and Upcoming Matchups
Durant is expected to return to the court in time for the Rockets’ fourth game of their current road trip, when they face off against the Utah Jazz on Sunday. This game will mark the beginning of a back-to-back series against the Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Durant’s Impact and Season Overview
This season is Durant’s inaugural year with Houston after he made headlines in the offseason, joining the franchise following a tumultuous period with the Phoenix Suns. His transfer was part of what is recognized as one of the largest trades in NBA history. Subsequently, Durant signed a lucrative two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets.
So far this season, Durant has made a substantial impact on the team, averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as he embarks on his 18th season in the league. In the recent game against the Denver Nuggets, he recorded 13 points and 8 rebounds, although the Rockets fell short by a narrow margin, suffering a 112-109 loss that halted their five-game winning streak.
Rockets’ Season Goals
As the Rockets gear up for these road outings, they hold a commendable record of 10 wins and 4 losses. Durant, alongside teammates Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, aims to steer Houston back to the playoffs this season— a feat the franchise has not achieved since the final years of Mike D’Antoni’s coaching tenure, which ended in 2020 with the team’s last series victory in the postseason.
