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Thursday, 7 p.m. update: The Suns will officially re-evaluate Durant in two weeks after he suffered an ankle injury Wednesday in what was supposed to be his home debut. The swelling in his ankle has gone down according to Shams Charania, so that’s a good sign for Durant’s long-term prospects this season.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks with his left ankle sprain and return based on rehab progress, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Swelling has gone down in the ankle, which Durant injured slipping in pregame warmups Wednesday.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 9, 2023
Thursday, 8:03 a.m. update: There is concern within the Suns organization that Durant has a grade 2 sprain that would keep him out four to six weeks, per The Arizona Republic.
Postgame update: It’s a left ankle sprain for Durant according to head coach Monty Williams. We’ll get an update on his status Thursday but for now the star is in a walking boot.
Monty Williams called it a left ankle aprain for Kevin Durant.
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 9, 2023
Said they'll get more imaging to make sure everyone is on the same page, but will look to see how he responds to treatment. #Suns pic.twitter.com/4IVHIYBY0R
Phoenix Suns star forward Kevin Durant was set to make his home debut Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that will now have to wait. Durant slipped on the court during pregame warmups and hurt his ankle, causing him to be ruled out for this contest.
Suns’ Kevin Durant is out tonight vs. Thunder due to a left ankle injury. Durant slipped on court in pregame workouts.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 9, 2023
Torrey Craig is going to get the start in Durant’s place, but Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are likely to get more shots as a result of this absence. Josh Okogie has been playing well and will likely settle in as the third option. Chris Paul has become more of a passer and playmaker with Durant’s arrival, so he’s unlikely to see much of a role change.
The Suns are still 11-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook for this game, so Durant’s absence is unlikely to cost them tonight. However, we’ll have to see how serious this issue is going forward. If Durant does miss time, Craig seems to be the answer for Monty Williams in the starting lineup.