Nets’ Kevin Durant expected to miss 2023 NBA All-Star Game to rehab MCL injury

According to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes, Nets forward Kevin Durant is expected to miss the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio.

This will be the second consecutive All-Star Game that KD misses due to injury, having missed the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta due to a left hamstring strain.

MORE: The domino effect of Durant’s injury

Per the latest returns from the All-Star voting, Durant is the Eastern Conference’s leading vote-getter, which would make him a starter and an All-Star captain.

NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)

Why will Kevin Durant miss the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?

Durant is out indefinitely with an MCL sprain in his left knee, an injury he suffered on Jan. 15 when teammate Bruce Brown fell backwards on him following a collision with Pelicans forward Herbert Jones.

Including a loss on Tuesday against the Lakers, the Nets have gone 2-3 since Durant’s injury. Prior to the injury, Durant played in 36 games with averages of 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists.

By missing the All-Star game, the 6-foot-10 forward hopes to continue his MCL rehab and return in time for the Nets playoff push.

MORE: What we know about Durant’s injury, recovery timeline

Over his previous 13 years, Durant was named an All-Star 11 times having won the All-Star Game MVP award twice (2019 and 2012).

Having missed the entire 2019-20 season due to his Achilles injury, Durant is set to miss his third straight All-Star Game.

Nets injuries and upcoming schedule

Durant’s injury is a huge dent to the Nets’ competitive ability as the team is dealing with numerous injuries and absences.

Paul Millsap has pulled out of the rotation, agreeing to part ways with the team while seeking a trade. Kyrie Irving has become a part-time player, unavailable for home games in Brooklyn due to his unvaccinated stratus. In addition, Joe Harris has been rehabbing from an ankle injury he suffered in mid-November.

Fortunately for Brooklyn, a majority of their games in the lead-up to All-Star Weekend are on the road.