There is a key reason why Kevin Durant won't be available for the Houston Rockets' matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Durant is halfway through the 19th year of his remarkable NBA career, his first with the Rockets. He has impressed in his time with Houston so far as the team is firmly in the race for a high playoff spot.
However, he won't be available for Houston's showdown against Indiana. Head coach Ime Udoka provided information on why Durant isn't playing in the game, per reporter Dustin Dopirak. He cited the events where the veteran star sustained the ankle injury in the team's previous contest against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 31.
“Ime Udoka says Durant tweaked his ankle when he stepped on a fan's foot on the sideline. Said it swelled up on him. Rockets are hopeful they can just rest him this game and that should be the end of it,” Dopirak wrote.
What lies ahead for Kevin Durant, Rockets
Ime Udoka and the Rockets have the talent to remain a quality squad in the West. However, they are better with Kevin Durant's services on the court to elevate their offense to serious contention.
Durant has enjoyed a healthy campaign throughout the 2025-26 season, appearing in 45 games so far. He is averaging 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He is shooting 51% from the field, including 40.5% from beyond the arc, and 88.6% from the free-throw line.
Houston has a 30-17 record on the season, holding the fourth spot in the Western Conference standings. They are 0.5 games above the Minnesota Timberwolves and 1.5 games above the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they trail the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games and the San Antonio Spurs by two games.
Following their matchup against the Pacers on Monday, the Rockets will prepare for their next contest at home. They host the Boston Celtics on Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
