The Houston Rockets continued their strong push in the Western Conference with a gritty 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night (February 2, 2026), despite being without Kevin Durant due to a left ankle sprain. It marked just the third game Durant has missed this season—and the first due to injury—highlighting his remarkable durability at age 37 in his first year with Houston.
In Durant’s absence, Alperen Şengün delivered a monster performance, leading all scorers with a career-night 39 points (13-of-25 FG), 16 rebounds, and 5 assists. The 6-foot-11 center carried the offense with poise and dominance against Indiana’s frontcourt, turning in one of his best all-around games of the season. The outburst came just days after Şengün was surprisingly snubbed from the 2026 All-Star Game roster, adding extra motivation to his showing.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant looks up after a play against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center on Jan. 13, 2026.
Durant Injury Update
The Rockets released their official injury report ahead of Wednesday’s home game against the Boston Celtics (February 4, 2026, at Toyota Center): Kevin Durant is listed as probable with a left ankle sprain. The team remains optimistic that the four-time scoring champion will return after missing only one game, following rest and treatment. However, Wednesday’s matchup is the front end of a back-to-back set—the Rockets host the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night—so load management or a minutes restriction could still be in play to protect Durant for the long haul.
Rockets’ Current Standing & Outlook
With the win over Indiana, Houston improved to 31-17 (.646 winning percentage), holding steady at No. 4 in the Western Conference. They trail the third-seeded Denver Nuggets (33-17) by just one game and remain in striking distance of the San Antonio Spurs (33-16) in the No. 3 spot. The Rockets have now won two straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season, blending elite defense with improved offensive efficiency thanks to Durant’s scoring gravity and Şengün’s inside-out dominance.
Wednesday’s clash with Boston is a marquee matchup: the Celtics are a powerhouse in the East, but Houston has home-court advantage and momentum. A Durant return would make it a true test of contender credentials against one of the league’s top teams. If KD sits or is limited, Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard will need to step up again to keep the win streak alive.
Rockets fans are buzzing—this young, balanced squad with Durant as the X-factor looks like a legitimate threat in a loaded West. Can they keep climbing? Will Durant be full-go against Boston, or will the back-to-back force caution?
What do you think—Şengün All-Star snub motivated or just coincidence? Should the Rockets push Durant to play Wednesday, or rest him for Charlotte?