NBA Injury Report: Kevin Durant probable, Kevin Love probable and more updates on Zion Williamson and Kyle Lowry | March 1, 2023
The NBA could see Kevin Durant debut for the Phoenix Suns tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. Durant last played on Jan. 8 in the Brooklyn Nets’ thrilling 102-101 win over the Miami Heat.
Heat forward Jimmy Butler inadvertently rolled into Durant’s knee, which crumpled the former NBA MVP. The injury was later determined to be a right knee MCL sprain. No one could have guessed that he would make his return in a different uniform from the one he suffered his injury in.
Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut tomorrow in Charlotte.
With Kevin Durant in the lineup, the Suns now have arguably the best starting unit in the entire NBA. Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Torrey Craig will be a nightmare for teams to counter.
Suns head coach Monty Williams might take a careful approach in KD’s first few weeks. It won’t be a surprise if he is under strict minutes restrictions.
The Phoenix Suns and the two-time NBA Finals MVP were reportedly targeting March 1 as his return date. It seems like they’ve hit their mark as he has been upgraded to probable for their visit to the Hornets in North Carolina.
Before he sprained his right knee, Kevin Durant was an NBA MVP candidate. He is averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks in 35 games this season. KD is also making a career-high 55.9% of his field-goal attempts.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have listed Kevin Love as probable for the third straight game. He is reportedly dealing with a hyperextended and bruised knee but has not missed a game since joining the Heat.
Love is averaging 7.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in three games with Erik Spoelstra’s team. The former NBA All-Star has cemented his spot as Miami’s starting power forward. Love’s 3-point shooting has significantly dropped since arriving in South Beach.
The 2016 champion is hitting just 26.3% of his shots from deep, a far cry from his 35.4% mark while he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kevin Love’s spacing already paying dividends for the Heat https://t.co/p8E7VxZQTj
Caleb Martin, who has been relegated to the bench, could start again tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers if the former Cavalier is not available.
Zion Williamson: Right hamstring strain; Injured since Jan. 2, 2023
Zion Williamson has now missed 24 straight games after injuring his hamstring on Jan. 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The New Orleans Pelicans power forward was expected to return a few games before the NBA All-Star break but suffered a setback.
The Pelicans have scheduled an MRI next week, which will give the team a clearer idea regarding his potential return. If the tests show he is progressing as expected, then there is hope that he could be back before the third week of the month.
Pelicans say Zion Williamson continues to make progress, will update next week when imaging occurs.
Jose Alvarado has a stress reaction in his right tibia. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Timeline to return updated later.
Larry Nance will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Herb Jones is expected to continue in the starting power forward role.
Kyle Lowry: Right knee soreness; Injured since Feb. 2, 2023
Kyle Lowry will miss his 10th straight game tonight for the Miami Heat. He will be in street clothes when the Heat take on the Philadelphia 76ers. Lowry was listed as probable two nights ago but has now been downgraded to out.
#PHIvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Kyle Lowry (knee), Nikola Jovic (back) and Omer Yurtseven (ankle) have all been ruled out of tomorrow’s game vs the Sixers.
The 2019 NBA champ is averaging 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 44 games. Gabe Vincent should continue as the starting point guard without Lowry.