In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Durant has decided to join the Golden State Warriors on their quest for another NBA Championship. Here’s what you need to know about this decision and how it might affect the Thunder going forward..
Kevin Durant is currently out with a sprained left ankle and will not play in the Thunder’s next game. When will he return? We don’t know yet, but it could be as soon as this weekend. Read more in detail here: when will kd return.
On Thursday night, the Brooklyn Nets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at Barclays Center. For the surprising 138-112 thrashing of the Bulls, the Nets had their big three Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving available. We don’t anticipate Kyrie Irving to participate in the next game since he isn’t currently eligible to play in Brooklyn. But it raises an important question: will Kevin Durant play against the Thunder?
Is Kevin Durant going to play against the Thunder?
Is Kevin Durant in the lineup tonight? KD has appeared in all but five of the Nets’ games thus far. After testing positive for COVID, he missed two games due to minor injuries and three games due to health and safety requirements. The team has taken the precaution of not overburdening him. In terms of minutes per game, Durant is second only to Toronto’s Fred VanVleet. They have, however, played an unusually large number of games in a short period of time, including some extended air aircraft lights. Durant, on the other hand, will not use any of it as an excuse.
Kevin Durant wasn’t ready to make excuses for a back-to-back in Brooklyn and Portland, or a busy schedule ahead of him:
“What does it matter? A little hardship is what championship teams go through… The schedules of everyone are messed up.” pic.twitter.com/KVncveDOO1
— @SNYNets (@NetsVideos) January 11, 2022
The squad just won an overtime matinee against the Spurs, then flew across the country to Oregon for a back-to-back against the Blazers. In those two games, KD played 85 minutes and the Nets split both. This isn’t ideal.
When we were all wondering whether the Nets would be careful with KD’s minutes back in October, coach Steve Nash teased hints that the club would be less cautious now that the D.C. native had recovered from the frightening Achilles injury he received in the 2019 NBA Finals. In the 2020-2021 season, KD only appeared in around half of Brooklyn’s regular season games.
When the season began, Steve Nash stated, “Yeah, I believe we’re more comfortable facing [Durant] in [back-to-backs].” “You know, he’s had plenty of time since his [Achilles injury in 2019], and since his comeback, he’s demonstrated that he can handle it.” Do I want to choose certain locations where I can safeguard him this year? Yes, of course. However, it is not as formulaic as last year.”
Durant just played 30 minutes in the Bulls’ huge victory. It’s his lowest point total of the season. Is it possible for the team to give him a break in the next game? It makes sense because James Harden may be enough to upset a Thunder club that is just 13-27.
“We’ll see,” Nash remarked, “everything is conceivable at this stage.” “We could take a break, we could not take a break, we could mix and match.” But I believe we’ll wait until the morning to see how everyone feels, how they feel after tonight, and then make a long-term decision for tomorrow.”
As a result, things look to be in a state of flux right now. We don’t have a decision for you right now since the team isn’t sure. We do know, though, that Durant is unharmed. And the great striker has made it clear that he wants to play as much as possible this season.
Durant previously joked about his huge minutes load, saying, “No, let me die out there.” “No, I’m just having fun.” No, that doesn’t bother me.”
So, if he isn’t wounded or worried, the Nets will have to work hard to convince him to sit out. That isn’t going to be easy. We’re guessing he’ll be out there right now. The Nets, on the other hand, are totally focused on winning a championship, and the one thing that has eluded them since forming the big three is health. It wouldn’t surprise me if they rested KD against such a poor opponent. Keep an eye out for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kevin Durant on the Thunder?
A: Kevin Durant is a basketball player on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Is Kevin Durant Playing 2021?
Is Kevin Durant playing tonight?
A: Kevin Durant is currently playing for the Golden State Warriors.
Related Tags
- nets big 3
- where is kevin durant from
- kevin durant number