Kevin Durant misses playoff opener with knee injury, and the Rockets can't make up for his absence
Associated Press
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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, left, and Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason go after a rebound during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures after scoring during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Houston Rockets, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic, left, and Austin Reaves chat as they sit on the bench during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Houston Rockets, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)Members of the Houston Rockets bench watch in the closing seconds in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, left, and Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason go after a rebound during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)