By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 22:39 EST, 23 November 2025 | Updated: 22:39 EST, 23 November 2025
PHOENIX (AP) - Houston star Kevin Durant will miss the Rockets' game Monday night against the Phoenix Suns for personal reasons, delaying his much-anticipated return to the city where he played the previous 2 1/2 seasons.
The 15-time All-Star was listed as out on the Rockets' injury report released Sunday night.
Durant played 2 1/2 seasons for the Suns, averaging 26.8 points over 145 regular season games from 2023 to 2025. He was traded in the offseason to the Rockets in a seven-team deal that sent Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and the No. 10 overall pick to the Suns.
The Suns used the pick to draft Duke center Khaman Maluach.
The 37-year-old is the Rockets' leading scorer this season and signed a two-year extension with the team that runs through 2028. Houston has a 10-4 record.
Phoenix is also off to a good start, improving to 11-6 on Sunday with a 111-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) defends against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)