The Nets will be without superstar Kevin Durant for the foreseeable future.
An MRI on Durant’s left knee revealed a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL), the team announced Sunday.
Following an MRI this morning, Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a medial collateral sprain to his left knee. Durant is expected to return to full strength after a rehab stint. Updates on his return will be provided as appropriate.
β Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 16, 2023
Durant suffered the injury midway through the second quarter of a game against the Pelicans when Bruce Brown fell to his left knee trying to defend a fast-break situation. The Nets announced shortly after that he would not return to the game.
Kevin Durant will be out for the remainder of tonight’s game with a sprained left knee.
β Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 16, 2023
Durant has been playing at an MVP level for Brooklyn this season, which had to offset the early loss and then part-time availability of point guard Kyrie Irving this season. Through 35 games, Durant is averaging 29.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
The Nets were in third place in the Eastern Conference before the game with the Pelicans, but are only 4-6 in their last ten games. Since being put together, Brooklyn has had its Big Three of Durant, Harden and Irving available together for only 16 games, but they are 13-3 in those games.
What’s next for Durant? Here’s everything we know about his injury and the latest news on how long he may be out.
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What is Kevin Durant’s injury?
Durant’s injury is an MCL sprain in his left knee.
In 2017, a collision with Zaza Pachulia caused Durant to suffer a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, sidelining him for 19 games.
Here’s video of Kevin Durant’s similar left knee injury in 2017. Obviously, that one looked worse than tonight.
Durant suffered a grade 2 MCL sprain and tibial bone contusion, missing 19 games and more than a month in 2017.pic.twitter.com/GZ2zZeA5BS https://t.co/Z8Djlu1Lqy
βBilly Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) January 16, 2023
How long will Kevin Durant be out?
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “there is optimism” that Durant’s rehab and recovery schedule is four to six weeks.
There is optimism within the Nets that it will be a four- to six-week rehab and the return of Kevin Durant, sources told ESPN. https://t.co/xKYtu0l4VL
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 16, 2023
The length of time has a direct correlation to the severity of the sprain.
For those who missed it, here’s what happened to Durant
π½οΈ Networks Yes#NBATwitter #NetsWorldpic.twitter.com/nyjgyuaMHU https://t.co/2YHo9uZt3A
β πππ‘π ππ£’ ππ½πΌ π£οΈ (@_Talkin_NBA) January 16, 2023
Over the next five weeks, the Nets are scheduled to play 20 games, with 13 on the road. Of those, Kyrie Irving will be available to play for all but one (the Knicks).
Network Calendar 2023-22
| Date | Adversary | Time (ET) | national television |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 17 | in the knights | 3:00 pm | – |
| January 19 | in wizards | 7:00 p.m. | – |
| January 21st | in the Spurs | 8:30 pm | β |
| January 23 | in the timber wolves | 8:00 pm | β |
| January 25 | against the Lakers | 7:30 pm | TNT |
| 26 of January | against nuggets | 7:30 pm | β |
| January 29 | in warriors | 8:30 pm | ABC |
| February 1st | in soles | 10:00 pm | TNT |
| February 2 | against kings | 10:00 pm | β |
| february 4 | in Jazz | 21:00 | β |
| February 6th | in nuggets | 3:30 pm | β |
| February 8th | against the celts | 7:30 pm | TNT |
| Feb. 10 | in wizards | 7:00 p.m. | β |
| February 12 | in heat | 8:00 pm | β |
| February 14th | against kings | 7:30 pm | β |
| February 16th | on the Knicks | 7:30 pm | ESPN |
| February 17th | against wizards | 7:30 pm | β |
