Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is questionable for Saturday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right knee contusion sustained during practice. The Rockets remain optimistic the injury won't become a significant issue during the series. Durant, 37, averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in his first season with Houston.

The fourth-seeded Lakers enter the series depleted, missing stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves indefinitely due to hamstring and oblique injuries respectively. Coach JJ Redick provided no update on their status this week, leaving the Lakers severely compromised for the opening matchup against a healthy Rockets team.

Durant's potential absence combined with the Lakers' injuries creates an uncertain start to what was expected to be a marquee playoff matchup. The Rockets may need to rely more heavily on their supporting cast if Durant cannot go, while the Lakers face an uphill battle with two key players sidelined.