Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against Nuggets? Latest injury report on Suns’ superstar ahead of matchup (April 6, 2023)
Kevin Durant will suit up for the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets. KD has played in the Suns’ last four games since returning from a 10-game absence due to a sprained left ankle.
Durant’s return could not have come at a better time for Phoenix. The Suns were boosted by KD's availability in nailing a top-four seed in the Western Conference.
“We’re talking about it as a staff. We haven’t talked about it with the guys just yet. We feel like there’s some things that need to play out first.”
Monty Williams on resting guys vs. getting more reps in with Kevin Durant now that the Suns have locked up the 4-seed: https://t.co/DppiR4tBto
Kevin Durant may have to develop better chemistry with his new teammates after playing just seven games with the Suns. He still has three games left to get more in sync with them before the postseason starts.
Phoenix may be playing a Denver Nuggets team that may have opted to rest back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets have already clinched the best record (52-27) in the Western Conference, and Jokic is dealing with right calf tightness.
Suns head coach Monty Williams may have a more favorable matchup if Jokic is unavailable. He could put Durant together with various lineup combinations without the pressure of having to deal with “The Joker’s” MVP-level play.
The Phoenix Suns are unbeaten with Kevin Durant in the lineup
The Phoenix Suns have not lost a game yet whenever Kevin Durant plays. They have a perfect 7-0 record when he's available. The Suns are considered one of the top contenders in the Western Conference due to the addition of the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
Kevin Durant is 7-0 with the Suns. 🔥 https://t.co/tK3v5ScHtm
Monty Williams still has several things to work on with KD in the lineup in real-game situations. He will try to do that as the Suns look to close out the season strong.
The former NBA MVP is averaging 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. He is hitting 58.2% of his shots, including a blistering 51.6% from behind the arc.
Durant is a walking mismatch and has proven to be even more difficult to defend with all the talent around him in Phoenix.
The "Slim Reaper's" individual numbers aren't just what stands out in his seven games with his new team. Durant's presence has also elevated the performances of his teammates, particularly Devin Booker.
"Book" is averaging a career-high 28.0 PPG at a career-best 49.7% from deep. When defenses can't singlehandedly focus on him because of KD, Phoenix's shooting guard has become deadlier and more effective. Booker is averaging 30.4 points at a sizzling 51.4% clip in seven games with KD.
Monty Williams is leaning towards Kevin Durant playing more games to help improve his chemistry with the team. Phoenix may just be hitting its stride as the postseason is about to start with the way KD has been jelling with his teammates.
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