The Suns could be welcoming Kevin Durant back into the lineup at the best possible time.
Durant, who made his debut with his new franchise during a four-game road trip in late February, was set to debut in front of his new home fans against the Thunder on March 8. Things took a turn for the worst when the two-time Finals MVP suffered an ankle injury during his pregame workout.
In response to the injury, the team announced Durant was out just 18 minutes ahead of the game's scheduled tip time, the definition of a late scratch. Though the injury was much more serious than it initially appeared, reports indicate that Durant will soon rejoin the Suns.
When can we expect Durant back in Phoenix's lineup? Here is what we know about his status as the regular season comes to a close.
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What is Kevin Durant's injury?
On March 8, the Suns announced that Durant was out with left ankle soreness. He has since been listed as out with a sprained left ankle.
Prior to his late scratch on March 8, Durant was not listed on Phoenix's official injury report. He apparently suffered the injury during a pregame workout in which he made a misstep while attempting a layup.
Kevin Durant took a fall while warming up for his first home game with the Suns 😳
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) March 9, 2023
He got up after. pic.twitter.com/J8SGlVQahj
According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Durant was seen exiting the Footprint Center in a walking boot.
In three games with the Suns, Durant is averaging 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Phoenix is 3-0 with Durant in the lineup but lost five of its next seven games following the injury.
How long will Kevin Durant be out?
On March 9, the Suns announced that Durant will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
The Athletic's Shams Charania provided a positive update on March 24, sharing that Durant "is progressing" towards a return to the floor against the Timberwolves on March 29.
This update should come as a pleasant update for Suns fans, as Greg Moore of The Arizona Republic reported after the injury that there was a fear Durant "could miss the remainder of the regular season with an ankle sprain." And the March 29 return comes earlier than the reported timeline of three weeks before re-evaluation.
Here are the remaining games on Phoenix's schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| March 24 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 25 | vs. 76ers | 10 p.m. | — |
| March 27 | at Jazz | 9 p.m. | — |
| March 29 | vs. Timberwolves | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 31 | vs. Nuggets | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 2 | at Thunder | 7 p.m. | — |
| April 4 | vs. Spurs | 10 p.m. | — |
| April 6 | vs. Nuggets | 10 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 7 | at Lakers | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 9 | vs. Clippers | 3:30 p.m. | — |
Kevin Durant career stats, highlights
- 27.3 points per game
- 7.1 rebounds per game
- 4.3 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 1.1 blocks per game
- 3.2 turnovers per game
- 49.9 percent field goal shooting
- 38.4 percent 3-point field goal shooting
- 88.6 percent free throw shooting
