Kevin Durant Returns to Rockets Lineup vs. Celtics After Ankle Scare
HOUSTON - Kevin Durant is back - and just in time for a big one.
After sitting out Monday’s win in Indiana with a mild left ankle sprain, the 37-year-old All-Star forward returned to the Rockets’ starting five for Wednesday night’s showdown against the Boston Celtics. The injury happened in an unusual way - Durant stepped on a fan’s foot during Saturday’s win over Dallas. He finished that game, but some swelling the following day led the team to play it safe and hold him out against the Pacers.
It was Durant’s first missed game due to injury since joining the Rockets, which, considering his age and mileage, is impressive in itself. Durability has quietly become one of the more underrated storylines of Durant’s 2025-26 campaign - he’s been a steady force in Houston’s lineup, bringing elite production and veteran leadership to a young, rising squad.
With Durant back in uniform, head coach Ime Udoka reinstated his usual starting group: Durant, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. That five-man unit has been one of the Rockets’ most effective this season, balancing Durant’s shot-making and playmaking with the athleticism and energy of Houston’s core youth.
Durant’s numbers continue to speak for themselves. He’s averaging a team-best 26.2 points per game while shooting a scorching 51.0% from the field and 40.5% from deep. Add in 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per night, and it’s clear he’s doing a bit of everything for a Rockets team that’s turned the corner in a big way.
Heading into Wednesday, the Rockets sat at 31-17 - just a half-game behind the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. They’ve been nearly unbeatable at home, posting a 17-4 record at Toyota Center. Add Durant back into the mix, and Houston’s chances against a tough Celtics squad (32-18) get a significant boost.
Tipoff was set for 7:00 p.m. Central, with regional coverage on Space City Home Network and national access via NBA League Pass. But beyond the broadcast details, all eyes were on Durant - back on the court, back in rhythm, and back to doing what he does best: anchoring a Rockets team that’s starting to look like a real threat in the West.