Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against Timberwolves? Latest injury update on Suns’ star ahead of matchup (March 29, 2023)
Kevin Durant’s debut for the Phoenix Suns was supposed to be last March 19 against his former team, the OKC Thunder. He, unfortunately, rolled his left ankle while working on his pregame routine. The Suns projected his return to be about three weeks.
Just as they hoped, Durant has recovered enough for the Suns to upgrade him to questionable when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Shams Charania had this to report about the possibility of Durant’s return:
“After missing 10 games with a sprained ankle, Phoenix Suns All-NBA star Kevin Durant will make his return Wednesday vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves barring setback.”
After rolling his ankle while going for a layup, Durant sat on the floor for a few minutes before finishing his workout. Everyone thought, including teammate Devin Booker, that the former MVP would be back immediately.
Test results showed that Durant suffered a sprained left ankle, which would sideline him for at least three weeks. After the win against the Utah Jazz on Monday, head coach Monty Williams credited KD for doing everything he could to make his return possible.
Suns fans came in droves when KD was scheduled to debut in front of the home crowd last March 19. They’ll be back with more excitement and anticipation as the “Slim Reaper” could finally play at the Footprint Center as part of the franchise.
What is Kevin Durant’s status tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Durant has been upgraded to questionable by the Phoenix Suns for their match-up tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant suffered a sprained left ankle nearly three weeks ago and missed the Suns’ next 10 games.
Durant’s potential return could not have come at a better time for the Suns. They are working hard to hold on to the fourth spot in the Western Conference. Phoenix (40-35) is just 1.5 games ahead of the Timberwolves (39-37) for that coveted spot.
The LA Clippers (40-36) and the Golden State Warriors (40-37) are also hot on their heels. The Suns are on a modest two-game winning streak and will be looking to extend that against the Timberwolves with Durant in the lineup.
What is Kevin Durant’s impact on the Phoenix Suns?
The Phoenix Suns are likely to be playoff-bound without Kevin Durant. Their chances of winning the NBA championship without him are very slim to none.
Bookmakers gave the Suns a +1400 odds to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy entering the season. Following Durant’s arrival, their chances jumped to +450.
The Phoenix Suns are unbeaten in three games with Kevin Durant in the lineup. He is averaging 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 blocks. KD is shooting 69.0% from the field, including 53.8% from behind the arc.
The Suns are only going as far as where the “Slim Reaper” can take them.