Kevin Durant did not feature in the Houston Rockets’ NBA game against the Indiana Pacers after being ruled out with a left ankle sprain. The call was taken shortly before tip-off, with the Rockets choosing to rest their star forward rather than risk worsening the injury. His absence was notable, as the game of the Rockets seemed to be off.
About 90 minutes prior to his team's game against the Indiana Pacers, coach Ime Udoka gave the update, stating that Durant had "tweaked" his ankle. He did not offer a return schedule.
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On Sunday, Durant received his 16th All-Star selection when he was selected as an All-Star reserve. In Saturday's 111-107 victory over Dallas, he played for about 38 and a half minutes. It is anticipated that Reed Sheppard will start in lieu of Durant.
Ankle issue traced to previous game
The ankle problem emerged following Houston’s previous outing, where Durant logged heavy minutes and played a central role. Although he completed the game without visible discomfort, swelling was noticed during post-game medical checks.
Team officials opted for caution, keeping him out of the Pacers clash to prevent a minor issue from turning into a longer-term concern.
No major injury concerns
The Rockets have listed Durant as day-to-day, indicating there is no serious injury at this stage. The team remains optimistic about his return once the swelling reduces and movement improves.
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No fixed timeline has been set, with Houston preferring to monitor his recovery closely.
Houston adjusts without its star
With Durant unavailable, the Rockets reshuffled their rotation against Indiana, spreading scoring duties across the lineup and giving younger players added responsibility.
While his absence was felt, the franchise reiterated that managing Durant’s health is a priority as the season heads into a crucial phase.
