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Rockets vs. Suns: Is Kevin Durant Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The Houston Rockets are set to battle one of Kevin Durant’s former teams on Monday when they go on the road to face the Phoenix Suns. Durant joined the Rockets in the offseason via a blockbuster seven-team trade from the Suns. This was after the former NBA MVP spent the past two and a half seasons in Phoenix alongside Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Durant, however, is currently dealing with a personal issue, which has gotten in the way of his opportunity to face off against the Suns. Monday’s matchup would have been the first time the 15-time All-Star faced his former team since his offseason trade.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during an NBA game. © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Is Kevin Durant Playing Tonight?

For the second time in two years, Durant was involved in a massive blockbuster trade that significantly impacted the NBA landscape. In February 2023, the four-time scoring champion was the centerpiece of a four-team trade that sent him from the Brooklyn Nets to the Suns. This past summer, it was a historic seven-team trade that ended Durant’s brief stint with the Suns, in favor of a move to Houston.

In 14 appearances for the Rockets this season, the 37-year-old has averaged 24.6 points on 48.5% shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 triples in 36.1 minutes per contest. He’s helped lead Houston to a 10-4 record.

Unfortunately, Durant will not be able to face the Suns on Monday. Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Sunday that the two-time NBA champion is dealing with a family matter. This will force him to sit out Monday’s game against Phoenix and Wednesday’s contest against another former team, the Golden State Warriors. No further details were provided about his personal issue.

With Durant sidelined, Reed Sheppard could potentially get the nod to start in his place. However, it will be Alperen Sengun who will need to lead the charge for a shorthanded Houston side.

Durant’s next chance to return would be on Sunday against the Utah Jazz.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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