2026 NBA Playoffs: Rockets' Kevin Durant Out for Game 1 vs. Lakers, Betting Odds Shift

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and the Houston Rockets will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round tonight. Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out with a right knee injury. See how the injury impacts the game and series odds.

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Per Shams Charania of ESPN, Durant is ruled out for Game 1 of the series due to a right knee injury.

Despite Durant performing his usual warmups, it's a no-go for the star. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka announced the injury in a press conference, confirming that it's affecting the star's movement.

"It's very tender," said Udoka. "It's tough to bend in certain ways. Not a lot of swelling, but he hit it in a very awkward spot. Pain tolerance is one thing, but actually limited movement is more of the cause."

The Rockets (52-30) and Lakers (53-29) are set to square off for the first round of the playoffs. Houston previously lost Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to injury, but Durant carried its young core. The Lakers are in a similar situation as Luka Dončić (Hamstring) and Austin Reaves (Oblique) are ruled out for Game 1.

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How Kevin Durant's Injury Affects Game, Series Odds

All three injuries will affect each team, as the Rockets will most likely roll with a starting five including Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Şengün. For the Lakers, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton are likely tabbed as the starting five.

There's no question that Durant's absence will impact the betting odds and possible outcome of the game. He's Houston's leading scorer with 26 points per game, averaging 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists, while shooting 52% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc. In three games against the Lakers, he averaged 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. It will be up to Houston's depth and defense to get the win tonight.

2026 NBA Playoffs Game 1 Odds: Rockets vs. Lakers

• Moneyline: Rockets -144 | Lakers +122
• Spread: Rockets -2.5 (-110) | Lakers +2.5 (-110)
• Total: Over 208.5 (-108) | Under 208.5 (-112)

Prior to the injury news, oddsmakers tabbed the Rockets as 5.5-point favorites and -220 on the moneyline. The spread has since shrunk, but still favors Houston at 2.5 points and -144 on the moneyline. This afternoon, the Rockets had -800 odds to win the series. The Lakers are now +460 underdogs to win the series.

The Rockets will roll on the road with a young core, but they also lost the regular-season series to the Lakers, 2-1. If you're betting on this game tonight, the Rockets did sneak a 119-96 victory against LA on the road on Christmas Day.

Look for the Rockets to heavily rely on Şengün, as well as Thompson, Smith Jr., and Sheppard. While Durant's absence leaves a massive void, the Rockets still have talent and depth. For the Lakers, it's LeBron's moment to carry the team. Currently in his 23rd NBA season, sources say James doesn't want a retirement tour. Could the playoffs possibly be his last go-around?

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2026 NBA Playoffs: Rockets vs. Lakers Game 1 Best Bets & Predictions

The Lakers are structured differently in the sense that Dončić, Reaves, and James are the trifecta that's carried the team. Scoring is a question, and this does have the potential to be a blowout if Hachimura, Kennard, and Smart can't pick up the slack. Players, including Gabe Vincent and Jake LaRavia, may see extended minutes.

The Rockets and Lakers matchup will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET, and will air on ABC.

• I'm taking the Rockets to cover the 2.5-point spread tonight. Although Durant will remain out, Houston has more depth. I'm concerned who will take the reins for the Lakers aside from LeBron.