NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets is congratulated by teammates Kevin Durant #7 and James Harden #13 after Irving drew the foul against the Boston Celtics during Game One of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on May 22, 2021 at Barclays Center 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)
We look at an injury update on Brooklyn Nets’ star Kevin Durant ahead of their match vs Utah Jazz
Brooklyn Nets (29-22) continue to slide down without Kevin Durant. They are now the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference standings with their sixth consecutive loss. Their most recent loss came against the Sacramento Kings, 112-101. The Kings snapped their own seven-game losing streak with the win.
The absence of Kevin Durant is highly notable, as he was averaging a league-high 29.1 PPG. The talisman suffered a bad injury that is set to keep him out for a lengthy duration.
The Nets tweet said: “Following an MRI this morning, Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral of the left knee. Durant is expected to return to full strength following a period of rehabilitation. Updates regarding his return will be provided as appropriate.”
Durant is probably out for 1-2 months depending on his rehabilitation process. In the meantime, James Harden returned to the lineup after two injuries. However, his recovery is not complete he is still suffering from fitness and form issues. Kyrie Irving, who is eligible for away games only has been in sparkling form since his return. Regardless, coach Steve Nash will be hurting with where his team currently stands.
Brooklyn have now lost three straight on the road and they have dropped 13 of their last 19 games. This is their longest losing streak for over two years. They have two more games on the road – at Utah and at Denver, before facing the Celtics at home, the Wizards and the Heat away.
Nash will be hoping to have all his three stars back and firing. The Nets have gone from sure contenders to Playoff hopefuls in the last two months. It is worth noting that the team are 2-7 since Durant’s injury.
Harden, who missed one game due to injury, finished with 22 points and 10 assists, while Irving scored 11 of his team-high 26 in their last game vs the Kings.
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