[Charania] KD Will Miss Game 6 vs. The Lakers
Winning game six, then losing game seven with KD would be the most Rockets way to end this season
The Rockets are grinding out wins w/ their defense. KD helps them on offense, but their youth is carrying them on defense. Maybe KD should sit out the rest of the series.
It’s not just that. The young guys seem much less scared to play and pass to others when KD’s not out there. They share the ball more. It seems like a mental thing, they might think a KD shot is the best shot to get so they are scared of making the wrong play by not getting it to him.
the young guys have sucked with KD on the floor and been brilliant with KD on the floor. they’re just young and inconsistent.
Nooooo, but this doesn’t fit the narrative, stop it!!!!
Damn, you mean Jabari Smith Jr isn’t regarded?
KD’s got a negative on/off rating this year (mostly to do with the defense much worse with him on the court but hard to pin down what’s actually causing that).
you can’t have watched rockets games this year and think the team is better with him off the court. it’s not a serious opinion. The rockets season changed when Adams went down because suddenly they needed production from multiple young guys each game instead of just one. Early on you’d get consistency from KD and Sengun with Adams going crazy on rebounding and then one young guy would go off and they’d find success. When adams went down the offense suffered in ways i don’t think they ever really solved.
Same thing happened to our team. Every player tends to just defer to ISO KD and it kills the ball flow and confidence of other players. Then when people double KD, it either turns into a turnover or a pass out to someone else who has to shoot with zero flow.
There have been times when they play very well with KD too.
They are just an inconsistent team lol
we also seen what the young guys are like, their offense is not consistent without KD either
I do actually hope KD sits game 7 if we win game 6, however, KD has been very good defensively this season. Arguably the best defensive performance of his career.
In the extremely unlikely even we advance to the second round, though, he better be back … we stand no chance regardless but we ESPECIALLY stand no chance without KD.
based on how they looked in game 2 that honestly seems pretty likely
The burner account will burn, deep.
It’d be the most KD thing ever, have the team gain momentum without you and then come back to “hoop”
He’s not playing unless you win the next series too
KD haters are working overtime today
I can’t imagine being so miserable that people are prepping hypotheticals for both sides to shit on KD
thank god I’m me and my life is dope holy shit
Crazy the dude was iron man all year 2nd in minutes played and then goes down for the playoffs, brutal
I think that’s part of the problem. 2nd in minutes at his age is awful
I mean he twisted his ankle. Its basketball, It’s a random occurrence. Playing more doesn’t increase the odds (exponentially) of having one. You could get an ankle sprain in 1 minute or 30 minutes
Hamstrings or soft tissue injuries for sure though
Yeah people talking about minutes, but we saw exactly how he did it and it wasn’t related to minutes, lol. Just a nasty sprain. And the missed game earlier was a knee to knee in practice. Just very unlucky timing
That’s pretty much the argument for limiting minutes though, is that you have a smaller chance for freak events to happen
but the freak accidents happened in a playoff game / practice.
And in that instance there’s no amount of rest he could’ve gotten to prevent it
This. Randomness is extremely forgotten when people discuss injuries. Tyrese played through chronic injuries which was preventable (but everyone knew what’s on the line ofc), however, can’t prevent ankle sprains. You can have “iron” ankles with 10 years of no injury run yet you can still twist and sprain it at any moment, doesn’t matter if you are 19 or 39. And there are bunch of injuries and situations like this.
More minutes increase the change for randomness to occur though.
That is true but it also isn’t relevant to identifying the sweet spot for how many minutes to play. KDs injury wasn’t even during the regular season, unless you’re suggesting he start cutting playoff minutes
Think of it like this: Let’s say for every minute KD plays, he has a 0.02% chance of getting injured. In other words, every minute KD plays you roll a dice with 5,000 sides. KD played 2,840 minutes in the regular season, giving you 2,840 dice rolls, which with that probability would give him a 56.8% chance of getting injured, or a 56.8% chance of landing on the side of the dice that signifies injury. The point is that every minute a player play is another roll of the dice, so you should try to limit it as much as possible as possible. You can say freak accidents happen, but it’s simply the case that it is more likely for a freak accident to occur if given 3,000 chances as opposed to 1,000. LeBron played 1,992 minutes this year, which would give him a 39.84% chance of getting injured using the same odds.
Obviously this is an analogy and the basketball gods don’t roll a die every minute, but in reality the probability of getting injured across a season is actually worse than if the gods did roll a die. Fatigue means that the chance of injury isn’t constant, and actually goes up as the season gets longer, once again emphasizing the need to limit minutes when possible
is the probability actually cumulative tho? that implies that there’s 100% eventual chance of injury
I mean eventually it gets very close to a 100% chance. Just look at LeBron for his career. 99.9999999999999+% chance he got hurt at some point because of how long and how much he played
Yeah. And more minutes also means more fatigue. More fatigue means sloppier less controlled movement, which means more injuries
It’s 100% true, and applies to virtually every aspect of the league. Fans always want everything to be controllable if someone just pulls the right levers and makes the right choices, but sometimes injuries just happen, cold shooting nights happen, a guy who’s a bad shooter makes 12 in a row randomly, etc. But admitting the element of luck is important makes the experience feel less valuable, so people tend to want to downplay it whenever possible.
The likelihood of suffering a random injury increases as you increase minutes tho, you’re increasing the number of chances you have to receive a random injury
Yeah but it’s not exponential. That’s the key. Does the rate of injury increase with more time played, or just the chance? I’d say for ankle it’s just the chance
I think you’re conflating two different ideas in statistics. Are you saying that, given that a player hasn’t had an ankle injury yet, their probability of having an ankle injury in their next second of playing time is constant?
If so, that’s a pretty standard assumption of an exponential survival distribution. That is, the hazard of an ankle injury is constant, but the survival function is exponential.
Basically - given that a player has not yet had an ankle injury at a given time, their probability of experiencing one in the next infinitesimal moment in time is constant. (This is the hazard function)
But - the overall probability of a player “surviving” (not having an ankle injury) by a given time absolutely is a function of time itself. (This is the survival function)
Holy shit people really dont understand probability at all. Should a gambling addict who just lost slots 82 games in a row leave their chair to take a shit or should they just drop a deuce in the chair since theyre bound to hit it big on the next turn? It has zero impact if each turn is truly independent. The only way you reduce the risk of a random injury in a given playoff game is to reduce the minutes played in THAT game. What you did before has zero impact. Youre taking 2 logically sound concepts and conflating them into something that isnt true at all.
Another example: I have never played slots before. If I sit down next to someone who has been there for 24hrs straight and we each pull it once, who is more likely to win? Unless the machines have some special evil logic (not random) the odds are the same
It is possible that his body was somehow worn down or he was compensating for other pain in a way that made this more likely. But that’s not the claim
It’s not really “random” though.
Studies have shown ankle injuries are fatigue related, we know they occur more often in later stages of matches across sports.
The NBA schedule is not really designed to provide adequate rest and recovery between games, especially not for guys in their late 30’s.
If KD was playing that many minutes, there’s almost no way he was getting adequate rest/recovery between games, increasing the likelihood of an ankle injury as the season went on.
care to show that study?
https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jsr/28/4/article-p373.xml
Was saying at the beginning of the season, that they’re way too dependent on old KD and old Adams… and here we are.
Load management? Straight to jail. Massive load from an old man? Believe it or not, jail.
We should not take massive loads from old men period.
Feel like those are probably related lol
No, he twisted his ankle and bruised his shin bone. Completely unrelated to wear and tear.
Not that I’m even close to these guys as an athlete but I used to twist my bad ankles a lot more frequently when fatigued
Were so lucky to have so many doctors on Reddit, thanks for the insight
the ‘ol Tom Thibodeau
With KD it always seems to be freak injuries too, it’s not like he’s AD level fragile
I remember him breaking his own ankle during warmup doing a lay up
Yeah, that one was supposed to be his first game in Phoenix as a Sun
Watching him on the nets the thing is the injury/injuries will always happen it’s just a matter of when, so they fact that he played most of the season it doesn’t really surprise me
The Suns and Rockets got 70+ games a season, with us it was capped at 40+. It was always an MCL Sprain in January had him out for a both.
At his age he really shouldn’t have played that many games, he probably wanted to make a point but clearly it wasn’t worth it.
Chris Paul played 82 games with the Spurs, got released by the Clippers the following season and was like “fuck it I’d rather retire than ring chase with OKC”. I’m willing to bet he gave it all during that Spurs season and had nothing left in the tank
Anyone else think he’s exaggerating the injury to avoid playing okc, given his history with the team?
Well yeah. Playing a lot you’re gonna get hurt. Every player is going to get hurt it’s just a matter of time.
Durant as an older guy, with a lot of years, an injury history, and a ton of minutes this year is like the prime candidate to suffer an injury on the court.
not crazy at all. This is who he is. He is most likely not that injured, he is trying to save himself to go yet to another team. He makes me sick as a fan of the sport. BUS RIDER !!!!
This must be a serious injury, because KD is not the type to miss basketball just because he’s in his feelings.
Yeah all these people act like he doesn’t play hurt when he can. He has a track record of doing that.
It’s how he tore his Achilles
Still beyond stupid the dubs med staff let him play
He wanted the threepeat. When it’s at a level of being able to potentially pull off something that historical he’s gonna wanna play no matter what
he was even dancing before the game
KD had a 2nd opinion from his own doctor as well saying he could play.
Guessin he sued that doctor after 😭
Plus he already played 78 games during the regular season while being 2nd in the league in total minutes, dispute all the issues the team has had all year. If he really wanted to give up on the team he’d have done it way before the playoffs, instead of running himself into the ground to try to keep the team afloat all year.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he just doesn’t chance it after he tore his Achilles. Playing hurt cost him a lot, a major injury now would be the end of his career.
Pretty sure they came out and said already this is an injury that would take a player out several weeks in regular season.
I’ll say the quiet part out loud. The team is better without him
Game 7 here we come.
Watch KD return for game 7 and that’s when the Rockets lose
The slander would be generational.
Can’t be worse than LeBron blowing a 3-0 lead
It probably would be only because Lebron is supposed to be the #3 guy and I know it’s a dead horse, but he’s 41 years old.
It would still be bad obviously to be the leader of the only team to ever blow a 3-0 lead tho lmao.
Idk I still don’t see how a post-Achilles tear 37 year old losing 1 game as the lower ranked team would be worse than blowing a 3-0 lead and losing game 7 at home.
Not that it should fall on Lebron either though. But my point is that if Lebron deserves an excuse for being old I think KD also deserves the same grace for being both old and injured lol. I think LeBron’s longevity makes us take some of these other guys who are playing at a high level into their late 30s for granted, especially with how fast-paced today’s NBA is.
Context doesn’t matter to people. Its just winning and losing for the star players.
People legitimately blame LeBron for losing to the Warriors in 2015, 17, & 18 despite putting up godly like numbers.
If KD came back for game 7 and they lost, it would mean they only won without him though lol.
It would because of how many people have Bron Derangement Syndrome
They’ve been glazing the living hell out of each victory, can’t blame people for clowning if they blow it
LeBron losing a 3-0 lead should be louder. He’s down Luka but will have had ar and the rest of a healthy team for 3 close out games. The rockets are down 3 starters and can’t play offense
All the way back from 3-0 to choke it away? Bron and kd haters bout to start world war haters.
The haters win either way. LeBron is the first player to lose a series when up 3-0, or Durant can’t ditch the bus driver claims. Win/win for the haters.
Lebron is 41 years old come on lol
The haters don’t care.
Way to cap his legacy first in points all time, first to drop 3-0 lead truly legendary
The Rockets were heavily favored going into the series. Luka and AR were injured and Lebron is 41.
Things are different now. The Lakers built a 3-0 lead without Luka and AR. The Rockets are missing their best player. AR is back for the rest of the series as of game 5. Blowing this lead would be a massive choke. If Lebron is good enough to build that lead he’s good enough to close it out.
This is stupid. Have you not watched LeBron in the playoffs the past few years? He’s 41 years old and gets worn down easily. He had to carry the team to that 3-0 lead, if you’ve watched him play at all recently you’d know that he can’t carry anymore entire series any longer. Trying to make this some choke on legacy is beyond dumb.
I said this in another comment, but shouldn’t KD also get a bit of grace considering he’s 37 years old himself, post-Achilles tear, and currently injured?
I personally don’t think LeBron should take any flak for blowing the series since he’s kinda been the one to drag the Lakers to a 3-0 lead to begin with which is already pretty insane.
But why are we going after the old guys in this situation anyway lol? Let the coaches and the young players take some responsibility on either side. Like Reaves and Kennard shot a combined 4-18 last game, and the Rockets young core acted completely unprepared for the moment the first 3 games of the series, but nah we gotta blame the 41 year old or the injured 37 year old lol.
Typical dumbass r/nba circlejerk. Watch the Lakers win game 6 and all these idiots start deleting comments
It would change absolutely nothing about his legacy, but it would still be hilarious
So? He’s clearly still good enough to get them a 3-0 lead, if they can’t win one more his age shouldn’t make him immune to criticism
Agreed, but as a counterpoint, fuck haters.
The ultimate bus rider.
Please god let this happen
Going to be a movie with LeBron, Luka, and Reaves vs. KD and Reed
/s … sorta
Remember when Bobby Boucher showed up at game 7 and the Lakers won the series?
You made Reed the other Rocket you included with KD this shit means something to me man
The league needs a game on Sunday.
They’re better without him He scared to comeback then they lose. is he just ducking at this point? he’s so done with this team. If they pull off the comeback, then he comes back and they get destroyed by OKC that’s not great image wise and not his fault.
They’re better without him
He scared to comeback then they lose.
is he just ducking at this point?
he’s so done with this team.
If they pull off the comeback, then he comes back and they get destroyed by OKC that’s not great image wise and not his fault.
First few comments. Can the NBA fanbase get any more pathetic? Worse than desperate housewives.
Sub full of drama hungry teens and 35 year old men.
I resent that. I don’t turn 35 until September I’ll have you know
How’s the retirement home?
I’m an immature 40 year old, so I’m slightly better/worse than the 35 year old.
You have 5 years of advantage but the Lakers flair is a 5 years disadvantage. So you’re right there at 35 with us pal
real.
Desperate housewives got sex at least. Redditors got their hands instead
Yeah KD has done absolutely nothing during his time in the league that might warrant some of those comments
Place has been even more ass than usual recently
Average age of those comments is 13
Insane. The hate is going too far
Twitter type responses. Funny that people on this sub claim that Twitter is a cesspool, when in reality, this sub is no better.
nobody gets more parasocial with any other player but kd
even with a fully healthy KD no way they get close to beating the thunder in any scenario
Been saying this
KD not playing might actually seem like a Goodnews for the rockets.
Not being able to see KD vs LeBron for potentially the last time is a fucking bummer
C’mon they both sticking around for another year or two unless the Saudis came out of nowhere and gave them $1 billion deals
I meant to say in the playoffs since there’s no guarantee they play each other again there
Looking at how their soccer and golf forays went and how they are backing out of that… slim chance.
WrestleMania it is, then!
LIV basketball
Saudi money is dried up, unless the middle east shenanigans end.
Whoever misses a game wins.
I mean, technically you did see KD vs LeBron for the last time.
He’s got the same shit Ant has and he’ll be out multiple weeks. I’m not sure why everybody’s surprised
KD may be a lot of things but he doesn’t quit on the court, or sit out unless it’s bad.
He literally tore his achilles pushing through an injury even though everyone knew he’d be leaving Warriors that off-season. dude is a hooper through and through
Yup, this is just ESPN and the media dragging it out for engagement/narrative. I’m not a KD fan but it’s easy to see this isn’t him quitting or anything
What? KD has an ankle sprain, Ant has a knee hyperextension.
They both have bone bruises (KD in the ankle, Ant in his knee). Can take forever to heal (see Kendrick Nunn taking almost a year for his bone bruise in the knee to heal).
Hats off to the young guys on the rockets for not folding
Somehow you cowards aren’t saying why isn’t Ant playing when they basically have the same injury. While also dealing with an ankle injury.
If you ignore all context IG
Bad news for the Lakers.
Adam Silver said Lebron shall be in the second round no exceptions
I’d rather him play to be honest.
He can afford courtside tickets I’m sure
They’re a better matchup for the lakers without him. You win against them with speed, pace, and pressure. He brings none of that
Future Denver nugget Kevin Durant
Piston*
If KD comes back we need to keep playing the same offense we have these last couple games without him and just plug him in. No more just passing to KD at the top of the key and everyone just watching him get doubled.
This reminds me of Kyrie on the Celtics
I’m not even sure his ankle is still attached
he’ll be back vs okc surely
Shams, give my Grandma her sweater back
He’s better as an assistant coach on the bench.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, these Rockets are better without KD.
Let’s be honest he probably plays if he truly needed to but there’s zero reason to push through an injury at his age when they’re gonna get eliminated anyway.
He’s coming back to lose them Game 7 isn’t he
For the memes
Game 7 is scheduled to play on Sunday. Per Shams’ sources, he won’t play because the earliest he would be cleared to return is Tuesday.
Hasn’t mattered the last couple games. Lakers need to stop messing around with this team.
everything’s coming up rockets
KD and Luka will play Sunday and the nerves/memes on social media will be spicy.
Who else can’t stand Chams. He rubs me the wrong way.
Lakers fans gotta feel a little conflicted: no KD is a break, but no one wants to win like this. crazy how fast things change.
The lakers are obviously losing games on purpose to get healthier vs okc
Lakers being handed the 2nd round on a silver platter with KD being out for most of this series and they decide “let’s turn the ball over 1 million times”
The loss was mostly due to making 7 less threes than the Rockets did (7-27 to the Rockets’ 14-40).
Yea and part of that was inexplicably leaving shooters wide open for 3 on several occasions. I get Houston isn’t supposed to be that big a threat from 3 but after the first few you adjust but they never truly did
The Rockets gave away game 3 with Jabari’s pass to Smart. I’ll be surprised if they win the next 2 games.
KD trying his best to help the Lakers and the Lakers can’t seem to capitalize.
The Lakers, I feel, are trying to buy time for Luka to heal.
This is a great thing for Houston.
I don’t think he will play another game with the Rockets
Since Luka isn’t coming back at this point idc, it’d be cool to see KD come back and ball out against okc
We’re just buying time for Luka 😎 (Rockets have figured us out)
I hate this dude
Charania?
Scheduled tweet type beat
What even is his injury?
KD won’t play another game for the rockets. Even if they make it to the finals.
Oh no I hate that for the Lakers
I really wished he would play
Lakers, for the love of god, finish this already so the okc can finish you already. Lmao i am not ready for this
Rockets might be able to make it to g7 now
Means the Rockets actually have a chance now lmao
That last game he played was the last game he’d play in Houston
Well, if the Rockets are gonna have a player double and triple teamed, I’d rather it be Sengun lol. Sengun’s ability to pass out of those is crazy. Doesn’t even look bothered. You can see him scanning the whole floor with ease. Durant on the other hand is almost a guaranteed turnover or difficult pass.
rockets may have a solid chance to beat lakers then because of how much KD is a turnover machine
Ewing theory
F*CK KD
KD is trash. Nothing else
Idk why this is downvoted, they have better ball movement without him
Probably because we’re still down 3-2 to the Luka (and until last night) reaves-less Lakers
And way fewer TOs
It’s interesting that the Rockets are not doing the normal gamesmanship of listing him as questionable to keep the Lakers guessing.
Maybe they or KD feel like doing that just adds to the perception that he’s checked out on the team and that would be more of distraction than the alternative
come back game 7 to beat lebron please i bag of you getoffmydickersom
okay seriously how bad was this injury? I feel like atp we have to question if the Rockets were lying about the severity of the injury
[deleted]
Its not bad for his image lol no one expects Houston to beat OKC
I agree. Just saying that the narrative will be that to clarify.