2 min read • March 09, 2023
Posted in
Kevin Durant’s Phoenix debut will have to wait.
The 13-time All-Star slipped on the court during pregame warm ups and, by video, appeared to suffer a Grade 2 left inversion ankle sprain that will likely sideline him multiple weeks, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
Durant was initially ruled out with left ankle soreness and reportedly has residual swelling. By video, he is dealing with more than just soreness and swelling. He has damage to his ankle ligaments that needs to heal.
Durant has a history of two minor left ankle sprains, which should actually improve his return timeline as long as the new damage wasn’t drastic.
However, with 17 games remaining in the season and the Suns in the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference, the team will likely exercise caution before ramping him up for the end of the regular season and playoffs.
A late March return is likely a realistic target as long as Durant does not suffer a setback, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
Durant, who was recovering from a right knee MCL sprain when Phoenix acquired him from the Nets, played just three games for the Suns before Wednesday’s injury.
He missed 20 games after suffering an MCL sprain in his right knee on Jan. 8.
The 34-year-old has suffered two previous left ankle sprains: one in November 2017 and one in April 2019.
After the November 2017 sprain, he missed a total of four games. He did not miss time after the April 2019 sprain.
The Suns have the third-best odds to win the NBA Finals at +440, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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🚨#Suns star Kevin Durant slipped pre-game just before his Phoenix debut and by video suffered a left inversion ankle sprain. Get the latest updates here⏩ sicscore.com/nba/players/ke…
