Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant will not play in Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. The star was listed on the injury report earlier this week with a right knee contusion. He sustained the injury during a recent team practice.
The absence of the perennial All-Star significantly alters the dynamic of a highly anticipated Western Conference matchup. Durant is a central figure in Houston's offensive system and primary defensive schemes. His availability for the remainder of the series is now a major question mark.