Brooklyn Nets provide injury update on star forward Kevin Durant

Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant went down with an injury during Saturday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans. On Sunday, the Nets provided an update on Durant, saying that he will miss some time.

“Following an MRI this morning, Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral (MCL) of his left knee,” the Nets’ statement read. “The injury occurred during the second quarter of Saturday’s game vs. New Orleans. Durant is expected to return to full strength following a period of rehabilitation. Updates regarding his return will be provided as appropriate.”

While the Nets did not present a specific timetable for Durant’s return, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said that the star could be out for a little over a month.

“There’s optimism within Nets that will be a four to six week rehab and return for Kevin Durant, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski tweeted.

The loss of Durant is undoubtedly a big one for Brooklyn. Durant currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 29.3 points per game. He also ranks second on the team with 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Durant’s 26.51 PER (Player Efficiency Rating) also leads the team.

With Durant sidelined, others will have to step up. Star guard James Harden is having a good season, averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 10.0 assists per game. Kyrie Irving is only eligible to play in road games, as he remains unvaccinated and is not able to play in New York.

Patty Mills, LaMarcus Aldridge, Joe Harris, Nic Claxton and others will need to pick up the slack left behind in Durant’s absence. The Nets currently with at 27-15, good for first place in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference.

Durant, Nets agreed to massive extension prior to the season

Two years after joining the Nets, Durant signed a massive four-year contract extension ahead of the season. The deal is worth $198 million over four seasons. He is under contract through the 2025-2026 season, and he will then become an unrestricted free agent.

Durant has been one of the NBA’s biggest stars since entering the league in 2007. He began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing there until 2016. Then, Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors. After the 2018-2019 season, Durant hit free agency again, where he chose to come to Brooklyn.

With four teams currently at 27 wins in the Eastern Conference (Chicago, Brooklyn, Miami, Milwaukee), the Nets will need to continue to find ways to win without their star forward.