Kevin Durant arrived in Houston as a first-time Rocket for 2025-26, and somehow, the future Hall of Famer looks as sharp as ever. Through his early run with the team, he has been a stabilizing force and a dynamic scoring engine, putting up 24.6 points per game on an efficient 48.5 percent shooting. But that early surge hit a temporary halt.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, “Kevin Durant will miss Monday’s game in Phoenix and Wednesday’s contest in Golden State, tending to a family matter.”

Reports don’t reveal what family matter the player is dealing with. But the timing is striking in his basketball career: both games come against franchises that shaped his legacy.

Phoenix was his most recent stop, a brief yet impactful stretch. He stayed there for three seasons. So, playing against them would have been the first time facing off against his former Suns. Similarly, it also presented Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green their first opportunity to face their former team, the Rockets.

Regardless, there is Golden State, of course, where Durant cemented his championship pedigree, winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

Through this season, Durant has played 14 games so far. And he has demonstrated both efficiency and dominance in those areas. His highest-scoring game came on October 29 against Toronto. There, he dropped 31 points in 37 minutes, going 11-for-19 from the floor.

Now, his sudden absence from the Rockets’ upcoming games has caught fans by surprise. Usually, the NBA does not allow players to sit out for any game without a valid injury, as per the ‘player participation policy’, for which it recently fined the Cavaliers, too.

But since the reason behind his absence has not been publicly disclosed, many fans are worried. They took to social media to share their concerns.

NBA fans send prayers and messages for Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant’s sudden absence made one fan write, “Prayers,” in response to the news. Family news does not always mean a crisis, but Durant’s fans deeply value having him in their thoughts and sending their support in difficult times.

Another fan reacted online, writing, “Prayers up to my GOAT, hope everything is okay.” This comment reflects the immediate emotional response from supporters who recognize Durant as a star player, as well as a human being who may be dealing with his own set of issues.

The same sentiment was reflected in several comments. When it comes to family, we know Kevin Durant comes from a tight-knit one. His mother, Wanda Durant, raised him and his older brother, Tony. And his grandmother, Barbara Davis, also played a central role in his upbringing, but she passed away in 2022.

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He had an absent father, with whom he reconnected later. And since he is not married and does not wish to be married, the chances of his absence due to family reasons might center around these members.

“Family comes first…hoping everything is okay and he gets the time he needs. One love, KD.”

Durant also has two half-siblings from his father’s side: Brianna and Rayvonne Pratt. Not much is known about them, but during his famous NBA MVP speech in 2014, Durant thanked his younger brother Rayvonne.

Even an NBA analyst, Brett Siegel from Clutchpoints, was concerned about Durant’s family. “Hopefully all is well with KD and his family.”

Another comment highlighted Durant’s professional dedication: “Everyone knows KD is not the type to just take games off, man. I’m praying everything is good with him and his family 🙏🏾.”

These reactions reveal a combination of empathy, respect, and concern from Durant’s fanbase.