Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets’ star forward who hasn’t played since Jan. 8 due to an isolated MCL sprain in his right knee, has received good news on his recovery, though there is no timetable for his return.
While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, head coach Jacque Vaughn relayed the news.
Durant “isn’t expected to return to the team’s lineup” until after the All-Star break this month, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Durant will not play in the All-Star Game on February 19.
This season, Durant has averaged 29.7 points on 55.9 percent shooting, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Durant will miss at least five games if he is out until after the All-Star break (vs. the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers, at the New York Knicks, vs. the Miami Heat).
The Nets’ first post-break game will be against the Bulls on February 24.
Brooklyn has struggled without Durant, going 5-8 in its last 13 games. The Nets are also without All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks as a result of his trade request.
However, the Nets have plenty of talent waiting for Durant when he returns.
Cam Thomas has scored 91 points in the last two games. In the last 13 games, centre Nic Claxton has averaged 16.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks.
Brooklyn will also see the return of former Net Spencer Dinwiddie (17.7 PPG, 5.3 APG) and the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith (9.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG). Both were acquired as part of the Irving trade.
Despite their recent slide, the Nets are fifth in the Eastern Conference at 32-21, 5.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for first place.
Reports: Brooklyn forward Kevin Durant to miss All-Star Game
Durant’s right knee sprain is reportedly improving, but not enough to allow him to participate in his 13th All-Star Game.
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets will miss the upcoming NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 19, TNT) as he recovers from a sprained right MCL that has kept him out for the past 13 games, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnaworski.
Despite a positive update from Nets coach Jacque Vaughn, Wojnarowski added that there is still no set date for Durant’s return to regular action.