Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Derek Parker covers the National Basketball Association, and has brought On SI five seasons of coverage across several different teams. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020, and has experience working in print, video and radio.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) reacts after a call against the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts after a play during overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

News

Los Angeles could be getting one of its best players back tonight.

Apr 26, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) walks on the court before the start of the game against the Houston Rockets in game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

Houston has one final advantage over Los Angeles down three games to one.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Houston could evaluate its options this offseason, starting with its superstar scorer.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

Two stars are going to be game-time decisions for tonight's Game 4.

Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to steal the ball from Los Angeles Lakers center/forward Jaxson Hayes (11) during the first quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

Houston's late collapse saw them go down 0-3 in the series.

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

News

Houston is rolling with a young starting five Friday.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

KD has been officially ruled out of tonight's game.

Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

News

How social media reacted to Game 2 between the Rockets and Lakers.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston's starting five looks better with Durant back in the fold.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Houston's superstar is officially a go Tuesday.

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket agianst Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) in the first half during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

How social media reacted to Houston's loss in Los Angeles.

Apr 9, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Houston's starting five has been released ahead of Game 1.