Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is expected to miss close to a month of action after suffering a right MCL sprain in his team’s 102-101 win over Miami yesterday.
The team announced that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks’ time.
The injury occurred in the final minutes of the third quarter when Miami star Jimmy Butler fell onto Durant’s leg after a layup attempt.
Durant suffered a left MCL sprain last January and was sidelined for six weeks, however, the team are optimistic that this injury is less severe.
The Nets currently hold the league’s second-best record having won 14 of their past 15 and are only a game back of the Celtics for the Eastern Conference’s one-seed.
Durant’s play over the stretch has been superb with the 34-year-old firming as an MVP candidate.
On the year, he is averaging 29.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 5.3 apg on .673 TS%.
The Nets’ next month could prove difficult, however, the improved play of Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons among others may be enough to keep them afloat in Durant’s absence.
After starting the season 2-5 and parting ways with head coach Steve Nash, many drew a line through the Nets, however, new head coach Jacque Vaughan has instilled a newfound belief and synergy with his squad who looked poised for another deep playoff run should they remain healthy.
They will play host to the Celtics and Thunder later this week before kicking off a five-game road trip.
