Rockets' Playoff Graphic Sparks Kevin Durant Concern Before Game 2

The Houston Rockets posted a playoff graphic before their upcoming Game 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

“The battle continues. Game 2 in LA,” the Rockets wrote as the caption.

Houston’s Game 2 graphic displayed four players: Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason. Noticeably absent from the graphic was superstar NBA veteran Kevin Durant.

Durant missed Game 1 of the Rockets’ first-round playoff series against the Lakers due to a deep patellar tendon bruise that he suffered after banging his right knee during a practice session on Wednesday. The all-time great NBA player is listed as a game-time-decision for Tuesday night’s Game 2.

Fans were quick to notice Durant’s absence on the Rockets’ Game 2 graphic.

“Why don't I see Kevin Durant on this graphic,” one fan asked.

“No KD on graphic. They know something we don't,” another added.

“KD not on the graphic its beyond over,” another said.

“No KD on the artwork. It’s GGs. Wasted season,” another wrote.

The Lakers are also dealing with some serious injury issues to start the 2026 postseason.

Both of the team’s top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are out indefinitely as they recover from injuries they suffered during an April 2 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and Reaves is battling a Grade 2 oblique strain.

The Lakers took care of business in Game 1, notching a 107-98 win over the Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. LeBron James recorded 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Luke Kennard led the way in the scoring department with a playoff career-high 27 points on 5/5 shooting from behind the 3-point arc.

Game 2 will tipoff at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:40 PM.