NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 03: James Harden #13 and Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrate as they head into a time out in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on January 03, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Will James Harden or Kevin Durant return to the Brooklyn Nets’ lineup?
The Brooklyn Nets will be hoping for the return of two stars in the form of James Harden and Kevin Durant. The franchise lost 91-126 to the Boston Celtics, extending their losing streak to nine games.
The trio of Durant, Harden and Irving have not played a single game together due to injuries and COVID-19. But, the team, who was tipped to win the title this season have slid all the way down to the Play-In tournament spots. They now face the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are also returning from a loss to the Miami Heat.
Harden missed the game against the Celtics due to fitness issues. He missed his third straight game. The 32-year old is also linked with a move to the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the trade deadline. The Brooklyn Nets (29-24) are 8th in the Eastern Conference, led by Miami Heat. The team is currently roughing out eight-game losing streak ahead of the match with the Boston Celtics. Coach Steve Nash, earlier confirmed Brooklyn Nets are not trading James Harden .
Kevin Durant will return to the court in 4-6 weeks after rehab and return for Kevin Durant. There is also an optimism that Durant may return before the given time frame. The statement from Dr. Justen Elbayar, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at NY Langone Health said:
“Regarding all of the ligaments to possibly injure in his knee, from what we’ve read regarding this injury, Mr. Durant’s isolated MCL sprain may actually be a best-case scenario. In terms of a timeline back, it really depends on the grade of the injury. With lower grade sprains we’ve seen athletes come back to basketball in 4 to 6 weeks.” (h/t Lines)
Kevin Durant was the favourite to win NBA MVP this year. Despite the fact that Durant will miss over 20 games, he is likely to return and increase his chances at the prize.
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