Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against Lakers? Latest injury report on Suns’ superstar ahead of matchup (April 7, 2023)
Kevin Durant's status for the Phoenix Suns on Friday night against the LA Lakers is still uncertain. KD had this to say about his availability heading into their matchup against the Lakers:
"It's always about conversations. We haven't had one yet. I'm just guessing. We have a back-to-back [schedule], there's two games left, but we've already clinched the [fourth] spot. I'm prepared for anything, whatever changes the coaching staff may need me to do."
"Yeah, but who knows what'll happen."
Kevin Durant on Friday's game at #Lakers. Hasn't played against LeBron James since Christmas 2018.
"We'll see."
Durant noted 2nd of back-to-back, two games left and #Suns locked as 4th seed in West, but added he's "prepared for anything." https://t.co/lPMt26BuuH
Suns coach Monty Williams issued the same line as KD:
"We're gonna get on the plane and talk to our guys and see what's best. It may make sense to play them a half. It make sense to do something else.
"There's people that have acronyms behind their names. ... They're a lot smarter than I am. I'll listen to the information and we'll have something in place by tomorrow [Friday]."
"We won't make that assessment right now official at all."
Monty Williams on status of Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker for tomorrow at #Lakers after logging heavy minutes tonight.
"It may make sense to play them a half. It may make sense to do something else." #Suns https://t.co/vUxUUcvZZX
Phoenix won against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday and will host the LA Lakers on Friday night. Durant has played in the Suns' last five games since returning from a sprained left ankle that caused him to be sidelined for three weeks.
KD and Phoenix's training staff aimed Mar. 30 as his possible return date. He was upgraded to questionable before the matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hours before tip-off, the Suns changed his status to available.
The "Slim Reaper" wanted to put in as much work together with his teammates in live games to improve their chemistry. Monty Williams agreed with this, which is why the head coach is not ruling out playing Durant for a half.
Chris Paul, after the win against the Nuggets, reiterated Kevin Durant and their coach's sentiments. Paul admitted he needs to adjust as he has never played with anyone who has doubled on defense like KD.
Kevin Durant looked like his old self again in the Phoenix Suns' win over the Denver Nuggets
Kevin Durant wanted to play more despite the Suns having already locked in the top-four seed in the Western Conference. Williams obliged by putting him on the floor for 41 minutes.
KD finished with 29 points on 9-18 shooting, including 6-10 from behind the arc. After struggling a little since his return, Durant looks ready for the postseason wars.
Durant appreciated his coach's decision to let him play for at least 40 minutes. The two-time NBA Finals MVP told the media that he wants to average the same amount of playing time.
Phoenix will have a tough decision to make. They want Kevin Durant and his teammates to develop more chemistry, but they don't want to risk an injury as well.
It will be interesting to see which direction they will take when the Phoenix Suns host the LA Lakers on Friday night.
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