Kevin Durant’s Return Imminent As Brooklyn Nets Look To Climb Playoff Standings

The Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant is expected to return from his knee injury this week, potentially playing in Thursday night’s game against the Miami Heat.

If Durant remains sidelined Thursday, he’s expected to be in the lineup Sunday when the Nets visit the Boston Celtics, according to Nets head coach Steve Nash. Durant has not played since Jan. 15.

Brooklyn has been desperate for Durant to return, tumbling down the standings in Durant’s absence. The Nets had the best record in the Eastern Conference a few days after Durant got hurt. Heading into Thursday’s matchup with Miami, Brooklyn is the East’s No. 8 seed and out of the latest playoff picture.

Without Durant, the Nets have gone 5-16. Trailing the No. 6 seed Boston Celtics by 4.5 games, Brooklyn will likely have to earn a playoff spot in the play-in tournament.

Miami has the best record in the East. The Heat are 9.5 games ahead of the Nets in the standings. The two teams are potentially on track to meet in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

On Tuesday, the Toronto Raptors beat the Nets, 109-108, handing Brooklyn its fourth loss in five games.

Before getting hurt, Durant was viewed as a top NBA MVP candidate. Durant is averaging 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. The forward has shot 52% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range in 36 games.

Durant has not played a season without a significant injury since he was on the Golden State Warriors in 2018-19.

Even when Durant comes back, the Nets’ lineup won’t be completely whole. Kyrie Irving is still unable to play in home games, though New York City might soon change its COVID-19 vaccine mandate and allow the unvaccinated point guard to play at Barclays Center.

Ben Simmons hasn’t suited up for the Nets since joining Brooklyn as part of the James Harden trade on Feb. 10. Simmons is reportedly dealing with a back injury as he works his way back onto the court. It’s looking unlikely that Simmons will be ready to go when the Nets visit the Philadelphia 76ers on March 10.

Despite their spot in the standings, the Nets are the betting favorites in the East to win the 2022 NBA Finals. Durant is still viewed by many as the league’s best player when healthy.

Durant, Simmons and Irving were All-Stars in 2021.