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HOUSTON -- After missing one game with a left ankle sprain, All-Star forward Kevin Durant was back in the Rockets’ starting lineup for Wednesday’s home matchup versus Boston.
The minor injury occurred when Durant stepped on the foot of a fan during Saturday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks. He continued playing in that game, but some swelling was observed the next day.
Thus, Durant did not play in Monday’s close victory at Indiana.
At 37 years old, Durant has been remarkably durable in the NBA’s 2025-26 season. Over his Houston career to date, Monday was his first injury absence.
With Durant available against the Celtics, head coach Ime Udoka returned to his usual starting lineup of Durant, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
For the season, Durant is averaging a team-high 26.2 points (51.0% FG, 40.5% on 3-pointers), 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Those numbers are a huge part of the winning formula in Houston, where the Rockets (31-17) entered Wednesday just a half-game back of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
The Rockets are 17-4 at Toyota Center, so the combination of home cooking and Durant’s return should certainly bolster their chances against the Celtics (32-18). Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central, with the game televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.
More: 2026 NBA All-Star announcements: Kevin Durant in, Alperen Sengun out
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets star Kevin Durant (ankle sprain) returns after missing one game
Continue reading...
The minor injury occurred when Durant stepped on the foot of a fan during Saturday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks. He continued playing in that game, but some swelling was observed the next day.
Thus, Durant did not play in Monday’s close victory at Indiana.
At 37 years old, Durant has been remarkably durable in the NBA’s 2025-26 season. Over his Houston career to date, Monday was his first injury absence.
With Durant available against the Celtics, head coach Ime Udoka returned to his usual starting lineup of Durant, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
For the season, Durant is averaging a team-high 26.2 points (51.0% FG, 40.5% on 3-pointers), 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Those numbers are a huge part of the winning formula in Houston, where the Rockets (31-17) entered Wednesday just a half-game back of the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
The Rockets are 17-4 at Toyota Center, so the combination of home cooking and Durant’s return should certainly bolster their chances against the Celtics (32-18). Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central, with the game televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.
More: 2026 NBA All-Star announcements: Kevin Durant in, Alperen Sengun out
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets star Kevin Durant (ankle sprain) returns after missing one game
Continue reading...
