Kevin Durant has been cleared after a day-to-day stint, ending any doubt about his availability for Houston's opener. He is set to play Thursday night against Oklahoma City.
What happened
The Rockets' injury report lists Kevin Durant as cleared as of 7:05 PM ET Thursday, ahead of the 8:30 PM tip against the Thunder. He had been day-to-day since Oct. 9, with that listing marked not injury related. It is the second clearance in this stretch: Durant was also cleared on Sept. 23 after an earlier day-to-day designation on Sept. 6 for a left ankle and leg issue. No detail or comment was given with Thursday's report, and no expected-return timeline was needed since he is cleared to play.
What it means for the Rockets
Durant is available for Houston's season opener against Oklahoma City, with the Rockets entering at 0-0 since the 2026-27 season has not yet started. Last season he averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 36.4 minutes across 78 games, and he is expected to carry a similar role immediately. Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. logged the heaviest minutes in games without him a year ago, and all three are set to share the floor with Durant rather than cover for him in this opener.
What to watch
Durant is cleared, so there is no return timeline to track; the next thing to watch is simply whether he stays off the injury report for Houston's following games. No further absence has been announced. The Rockets' first look at the lineup comes Thursday against Oklahoma City, with subsequent injury reports to confirm his status game to game as the season opener and the games after it unfold.
Is Kevin Durant playing vs Thunder?
Yes. He was cleared on the Thursday, Oct. 15 injury report ahead of the 8:30 PM ET tip against Oklahoma City.
When will Kevin Durant be back?
He is already back. Durant was day-to-day as of Oct. 9 but is now cleared, with no further absence announced.