After a routine follow-up MRI on his left hamstring, it was determined that Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant will require an additional recovery period that will result in him remaining out through the NBA All-Star break.
The latest images provided a clearer picture of the hamstring and while we are confident that Durant will return at full strength, this extra recovery time will allow him to perform at the level at which he has been playing this season once he returns. Durant will continue to undergo rehabilitation and will be re-assessed following the break.
“He’s going to be back this season,” Nets head coach Steve Nash said, “and we’ll all be grateful when that time comes — but not until he’s ready.”
The Nets have won their last eight games, however, Durant has missed nine of the last 10 games. Three of those games were due to COVID-19 safety protocols. Six games were missed after injuring his hamstring in Brooklyn’s win over Golden State.
Durant is averaging 29 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 35.7 minutes over 19 games with the Nets.
Durant was the leading vote-getter in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming All-Star game. He will be replaced as a starter by the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and on the team by the Pacers’ Domantas Sabonis.
The Nets will also be represented at the All-Star game by Kyrie Irving (voted in as a starter) and James Harden (selected as a reserve).
