The Phoenix Suns will be without their offensive engine to start their playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Head coach Ime Udoka has confirmed that superstar forward Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 due to a knee injury sustained after bumping knees during a practice session on Wednesday.

Durant's absence is a massive blow for the Suns, as his elite scoring and gravity fundamentally shape their offensive identity. This development throws an immediate curveball into the series, forcing Phoenix to adjust their game plan against a formidable Lakers squad led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

All eyes will now be on how the Suns' supporting cast, including Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, steps up to fill the void. For the Lakers, this presents a crucial opportunity to steal home-court advantage early in what promises to be a fiercely competitive Western Conference matchup.