After brief absence, Kevin Durant rejoins Rockets’ lineup in Utah

After missing two games for personal reasons, All-Star forward Kevin Durant was back in the starting lineup for Houston’s Sunday afternoon game at Utah.

In Sunday’s game versus the Jazz (6-12), Durant started for the Rockets (12-4) alongside Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard.

Without Durant, the Rockets were impressive in a pair of road victories at Phoenix and Golden State. Dating back to late October, they have now won 12 of their last 14 games, overall.

But even after those two wins in his absence, the Rockets will undoubtedly welcome Durant’s return. For the 2025-26 season, the future Hall of Famer is Houston’s leading scorer at 24.6 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.5% overall, 36.4% on 3-pointers, and 88.0% on free throws.

The Rockets and Jazz are meeting in back-to-back games from Utah’s Delta Center, with Sunday’s matinee tipping at 2:00 p.m. Central and Monday’s nightcap coming at 8:00 p.m. Central. Each will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.

More: Kevin Durant to miss Houston’s next two games tending to family matter

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: After brief absence, Kevin Durant rejoins Rockets’ lineup in Utah