Mark Giannotto, USA TODAYMon, November 24, 2025 at 9:21 PM UTC·1 min readThis was potentially going to be a dramatic Thanksgiving week for Kevin Durant because of the NBA schedule.
The Houston Rockets next two games are on the road against two of Durant's former teams, beginning with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, Nov. 24. It was slated to be Durant's first game back in Phoenix since the Suns traded him to the Rockets this offseason, and was to be followed by a nationally televised return to San Francisco to play the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut those plans appear to be on hold after an unforeseen change related to Durant, who has fit in well with the Rockets (10-4) during an encouraging start to this season thus far. Here's the latest on Durant's status for Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns (11-6), as well as what to know about his situation moving forward.
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Carmelo Anthony college dominance: In his lone season (2003), led Syracuse to a national championship and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshman.NBA: 10× NBA All-Star. 2012–13 NBA scoring champion, averaging 28.7 points per game.
1 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
1 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Magic Johnson college dominance: Led Michigan State to the 1979 NCAA Championship, defeating Larry Bird’s Indiana State. NBA: 5× NBA champion in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988 with the Los Angeles Lakers. 3× NBA Finals MVP in 1980, 1982 and 1987. 3× NBA Most Valuable Player in 1987, 1989 and 1990. 12× NBA All-Star: 1980, 1982-1992. 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1990 and 1992. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
2 / 2Before NBA glory: How Jordan, Bird, Magic and Curry ruled in college
Carmelo Anthony college dominance: In his lone season (2003), led Syracuse to a national championship and earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game as a freshman.NBA: 10× NBA All-Star. 2012–13 NBA scoring champion, averaging 28.7 points per game.
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Is Kevin Durant playing tonight?
No. The Houston Rockets star is listed as out on the team's injury report due to "personal reasons" ahead of Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns.
Kevin Durant status update
Though the Rockets did not give an official reason for Durant's absence on Monday, ESPN reported he will miss the game at Phoenix tending to a family matter. He is also expected to miss Wednesday's game at Golden State, according to ESPN.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKevin Durant stats
Durant is averaging 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 14 games this season with the Rockets.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kevin Durant status update: Is Rockets star playing tonight vs. Suns?
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