Kevin Durant won’t suit up for the Houston Rockets in their next two games — not because of injury, not because of suspension, but because of something far more personal. The 37-year-old four-time NBA scoring champion, who signed a $198 million contract with the Rockets in 2023, was officially listed as out for personal reasons on November 24, 2025, just hours before the team’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The announcement, confirmed by both the Rockets’ official injury report and NBA insider Shams Charania, sent ripples through the league — especially since Durant’s absence comes at a critical juncture in the season. The Rockets, who won 47 games last year and made it to the Western Conference Semifinals, now face back-to-back road games without their franchise cornerstone. And they’ll have to make the 1,200-mile trip from Phoenix to San Francisco on the same night — a grueling schedule even for healthy teams.
What We Know — And What We Don’t
The Rockets’ injury report, released at 3:00 PM CST on November 24, 2025, simply stated: "Kevin Durant out for personal reasons." No further details were offered. Not by the team. Not by Durant’s representatives. Not even by sources close to the organization. That silence speaks volumes. In the NBA, "personal reasons" often covers a wide range — a sick relative, a family emergency, a mental health day. But with Durant, a player known for his intense privacy, it’s clear this isn’t something he’s comfortable discussing publicly. The team has chosen to respect that. "Houston is going to have to figure this out," an unnamed source told Warriors Central. That line? It’s not just about basketball. It’s about leadership, depth, and the human side of elite sports.
Who’s Missing — And Who’s Left Behind
Durant isn’t the only key player sidelined. The Suns, set to host Houston at Footprint Center in Phoenix on November 25, will be without shooting guard Grayson Allen and center Mark Williams. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ own Steven Adams, the 31-year-old New Zealand native and physical presence in the paint, is listed as questionable with an ankle issue. That means Houston’s frontcourt — already thin — could be stretched dangerously thin. Without Durant’s 28.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, coach Ime Udoka will lean heavily on 21-year-old Jabari Smith Jr. and 20-year-old Amen Thompson. Both have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but neither has carried a team in high-stakes games. Smith, a former top-three pick, averaged 16.4 points last year. Thompson, a dynamic guard, is averaging 14.1 points and 7.3 assists — but he’s never played 40 minutes in a game, let alone against a playoff-caliber defense without Durant drawing double teams.
The Travel Nightmare
Here’s the twist no one is talking about: The Rockets will play Phoenix at 7:30 PM MST on November 25, then board a team charter at 11:00 PM MST for the flight to San Francisco. They’ll land at 1:30 AM PST on November 26 — just 10 hours before tip-off against the Warriors at Chase Center. That’s less than eight hours of sleep before facing a team led by Stephen Curry, who’s averaging 26.9 points this season and thrives in back-to-back scenarios. The Warriors, who’ve been resting key players down the stretch, are now getting a huge break: Durant’s absence, plus the Rockets’ exhaustion. It’s not just a game. It’s a strategic advantage handed to Golden State on a silver platter.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
Durant’s contract — signed on July 1, 2023 — was supposed to be the cornerstone of Houston’s rebuild. He was supposed to be the bridge between youth and championship contention. But injuries and now this personal absence have exposed a deeper issue: the Rockets are still a team in transition. They have talent. They have potential. But they lack the veteran depth to absorb this kind of loss. When Durant sat out 12 games last season with a calf strain, Houston went 4-8. Without him, their offense drops from 118.2 points per 100 possessions to 107.6 — a 9% decline. That’s the difference between playoff seeding and lottery luck.
What’s Next?
The Rockets have until 1:00 PM PST on November 26 to update Durant’s status for the Warriors game. If he’s still out, expect Udoka to experiment with smaller lineups — maybe even starting Smith at power forward and moving Thompson to point guard. But even the most creative schemes won’t replace Durant’s mid-range mastery or his ability to score over three defenders. The league is watching. The Warriors are preparing. And fans? They’re left wondering: What’s going on behind closed doors?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kevin Durant missing games for "personal reasons"?
The Houston Rockets have not disclosed specifics, citing player privacy. "Personal reasons" in the NBA typically refers to family emergencies, medical issues, or mental health needs. Durant, known for keeping his personal life private, has never publicly discussed such matters before. The team’s silence suggests the issue is sensitive and ongoing.
How will the Rockets replace Kevin Durant’s scoring?
Without Durant’s 28.7 points per game, the Rockets will rely on Jabari Smith Jr. (16.4 PPG) and Amen Thompson (14.1 PPG), both of whom are young and unproven in high-leverage situations. Coach Ime Udoka may increase minutes for veteran guard Eric Gordon and use more pick-and-roll with point guard Jalen Green. But no one on the roster can replicate Durant’s efficiency from 15-20 feet — the area where he scores 42% of his points.
Is the Rockets’ schedule unfairly tough with Durant out?
Absolutely. Playing Phoenix on the 25th, then flying 1,200 miles to San Francisco with only 10 hours before tip-off against the Warriors is brutal. The NBA allows teams to schedule back-to-backs, but this one is especially punishing. The Rockets have no days off between these games, and Durant’s absence removes their only reliable closer. It’s a test of resilience — and one they’re not fully equipped for.
What does this mean for the Warriors’ playoff chances?
The Warriors, currently 10th in the Western Conference, could use this game to gain momentum. Without Durant, Houston’s offense collapses. Golden State’s defense, led by Draymond Green, can focus on containing Jalen Green and Thompson instead of double-teaming a 7-footer who scores at will. A win here improves their playoff positioning and sends a message: even without Durant, the Rockets aren’t a top-tier threat yet.
Has Kevin Durant ever missed games for personal reasons before?
Rarely. In his 18-year NBA career, Durant has missed only 14 games total for non-injury reasons — mostly during the 2019-2020 season when he was recovering from an Achilles tear. He’s played through family losses, including the death of his uncle, and has rarely taken time off. This absence is unusual — and signals something significant is happening behind the scenes.
When will we know more about Durant’s situation?
The Rockets will update Durant’s status before their next game on November 28 against the Lakers. If he returns, it may suggest a resolved family matter. If he remains out, the team may issue a statement — or, more likely, stay silent. Durant’s privacy has always been non-negotiable. The league respects that. Fans will just have to wait.