Worst possible Kevin Durant twist hits the Rockets at a terrible time

The Rockets have relied on Kevin Durant's health all season long, but now he's being listed as questionable for their opening game of the playoffs. Despite playing in a remarkable 78 games this season, Durant is now facing knee issues that could limit him in the most important games. If he's not able to push through or recover from his injury in time, the Rockets will be in huge trouble.

Houston needs Kevin Durant healthy against the Lakers

Sadly, this is an all-too-familiar story for Rockets fans this season. Durant is just the latest veteran on the team to be limited by injuries. But he's easily been the most important veteran - and player overall - for the Rockets since getting traded there.

In recent weeks, the Rockets had found a groove with an extended win streak behind improved team chemistry and a flowing offense. Durant's consistent scoring and improved playmaking during this hot stretch were instrumental for the team's success. He's clearly the primary option for this team, and being without him for any playoff games will be a huge blow.

The Rockets have been limited offensively this season even with Durant at the helm. But when he's off the court, the Rockets are even worse. In those minutes, Houston had a 112.2 offensive rating, which would be tied for 24th in the league this season. By contrast, their offensive rating of 117.9 in his minutes would rank 7th in the NBA.

The Rockets will need to adapt without Kevin Durant

If Durant does have to miss any playoff games, the Rockets will need to change their offense drastically. Younger stars like Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun will have to take on bigger roles to make up for Durant's production. Even Reed Sheppard might need to step up more to lead the offense as a point guard.

The Rockets' young stars may not be fully ready yet to lead their team on a deep playoff run without Durant. Last year, they were upset by the 7th-seed Warriors, a much more experienced team. Fred VanVleet's veteran leadership helped the Rockets keep the series close, but he won't be around to help either this year.

Of course, the Rockets' young core is older and more experienced this year. But there's no other consistent isolation scorer on this team aside from Durant. In the playoffs when games get close and the pace slows down, having an automatic bucket like Durant becomes an even bigger advantage.

Kevin Durant has been everything the Rockets could have hoped for this season, especially at age 37. Sadly, Father Time might have caught him for an inopportune injury at the worst of times.

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