Kevin

Durant

In a high-scoring affair on Monday, Durant was unsurprisingly one of the contest’s most productive players. He logged a game-high 40 minutes and used that time to make the Bulls pay both inside and outside the arc. The two-time Finals MVP also made contributions on the glass and finished the game just above his regular-season average in assists. The balanced effort was not enough, however, as Houston walked away with its third loss in the last five games. The Rockets will face the Timberwolves on Wednesday in a game that could have a big impact on the playoff picture.

Durant made some history late in Saturday’s victory, hitting a corner three to pass Michael Jordan and move into fifth on the NBA’s career points list. The Rockets’ forward shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc against the Heat, and he’s scored at least 25 points in consecutive games for the first time since February 28-March 2. The Rockets play four games in Week 22, starting with the Bulls on Monday.

Houston changed its starting lineup for Friday’s game, with Reed Sheppard replacing Tari Eason, and the result was a blowout win over the red-hot Hawks. Durant still had the ball in his hands plenty, as did Alperen Şengün (15/9/10/2), but the team had improved offensive spacing throughout the 117-95 victory. The Rockets still have one more game in Week 21, as they host the Heat on Saturday.

A game after being limited to 18 points, Durant landed an identical scoring total on Wednesday, but on even fewer shot attempts. The two-time Finals MVP shot the ball well in his limited looks at the rim and was more secure with the ball in this rematch than he was in the previous meeting. Nonetheless, Durant has had insignificant production in three of his last four games, which has come at an unideal time from a fantasy basketball standpoint. He’ll have a chance to get back on track Friday against the Hawks.

Durant logged an unspectacular game on Monday, relative to his usual production. He scored under 20 points and failed to make a three-point shot for the second time in the last three games, each coming in Houston losses. And even beyond the low scoring total, his struggles against this Los Angeles defense can be seen in the seven turnovers he committed. Durant lacked his usual production, but he will have an opportunity to bounce back on Wednesday in a second straight matchup with the Lakers.

Durant made the biggest shot of Friday’s game, as his mid-range jumper with 7.6 seconds remaining gave Houston a one-point lead. The future Hall of Fame forward would make two free throws to seal the victory, capping his first 30-point game since March 2. Houston’s Week 20 schedule is complete, and the Rockets are scheduled to play four games in Week 21.

Durant wasn’t the only Rockets player to have a subpar night, but this one had to hurt for those who have the future Hall of Fame forward on their roster. The 11 points tied his season low, and this was the first game in which KD did not reach double figures in shot attempts. Durant and the Rockets will look to bounce back on Friday when they host the Pelicans.

Durant was excellent in the win over the Raptors on Tuesday. The 37-year-old small forward basically couldn’t miss, going 12-of-16 from the floor. Durant has provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Rockets play the Nuggets on Wednesday.

Durant had a good night in San Antonio, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Rockets from getting blown out. All that his final line lacked was a steal, but fantasy managers aren’t going to lose any sleep over that. Durant and the Rockets open a three-game Week 20 on Tuesday against the Raptors. The schedule isn’t great for managers whose leagues have reached the playoff rounds, as Houston plays its final game of the week on Friday.

While Durant managed to score 20 points with eight rebounds and five assists, he made the most of a rough game. The 37-year-old small forward was hardly efficient with 20 points coming on 18 attempts and eight turnovers. Durant has still provided first-round per game value over the last two weeks, according to Basketball Monster.