Tonight’s matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns was supposed to be a key date for Kevin Durant, for whom it would’ve marked his first return to the city since his contentious trade last season. However, unfortunately, Durant is set to miss tonight’s matchup. So, what happened?

Veteran NBA Insider Shams Charania announced yesterday that Durant would miss tonight’s matchup as well as Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors as he tends to a family matter. Neither Durant nor Charania has spoken about the exact nature of the matter, but it has led to some speculation, including one from a local source.

John Gambodaro of Arizona Sports 98.7FM gave a surprising update, saying, “Somebody told him KD is becoming a father.” He also added, “He wasn’t reporting but that’s just what he heard.” Despite making it clear that this was not an official report and adding that he didn’t verify the report, the rumor quickly spread, causing confusion about Durant’s status.

However, nothing official has been released on Durant‘s status, and it’s unlikely that the report is true, given that no other source has corroborated it. KD is also a known bachelor; the Rockets star previously dated Monica Wright, but the couple called off their engagement in 2014, and the forward has remained single ever since.

With Durant’s offseason addition, the Rockets have elevated themselves to true title contention, even with Fred VanVleet out for the season with a torn ACL. Houston currently sits at a 10-4 record, with the best offensive rating in the league at 124.4, and the second-best net rating in the league at 10.5.

With Durant out, the team has opted for a small lineup, moving up Reed Sheppard and Josh Okogie from the bench for their guard spots, moving Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. down one spot each to at forward, and Alperen Sengun holding it down in the paint, with Steven Adams moving back to the bench against the faster Suns.

The Suns have countered to deal with setbacks of their own, as Mark Williams and Ryan Dunn join Grayson Allen and Jalen Green on the injury report. Phoenix is starting Devin Booker and Jordan Goodwin at guard, Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale at forward, and moving center Nick Richards to the starting lineup.

Devin Booker Reflects on Kevin Durant’s Absence in Rockets-Suns

Before the game, Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker made his respect for Kevin Durant and his family clear. “I hope everything is OK with his family first,” he said, but added afterward, “but yeah, I would love a matchup with him.” Booker didn’t hide that facing Durant, now with the Houston Rockets after the biggest trade of the offseason, is something he circles on his mental calendar.

That desire is tied to unfinished business. Booker, before the season started, was open about how the last two seasons never reached the highs expected with the trio of him, Durant, and Bradley Beal. “It was tough not getting where we wanted to with Kevin… two guys I have high respect for and always will,” he said, looking back at the failed partnership.

Even then, Booker highlighted that the disconnect between them wasn’t personal, just on the court. “I don’t think anybody had problems with each other off the court. We simply weren’t connected enough,” he reflected. That’s what lingers for Booker. “It’ll always be a disappointment to me to not do what we all sought out to do.” While Devin hopes that Durant is well off the court, he’s waiting for the matchup that will finally put a full-stop on the story they never finished together.