Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is probable for the meeting with the Jazz on Friday night. The 36-year-old has been banged up a few times during the 2024-25 campaign, most recently missing the last three games because of a sprained ankle. But outside of that, he continues to play well, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 44.9% from downtown. With Durant's anticipated return, Royce O'Neale, coming off a 16-point, seven-rebound effort versus Orlando on December 8, likely won't be as productive.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain and will miss at least three games. Durant will be re-evaluated in a week after suffering the injury while landing on a Spurs player's foot during Phoenix's win on Tuesday night. The Suns have struggled when the 36-year-old has been unavailable, posting a record of 1-6. Bradley Beal and Devin Booker will be relied upon to step up offensively in Durant's absence, while Grayson Allen will see an uptick in playing time, too.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (ankle) won't return to Tuesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. The veteran was playing well, logging 13 points while making both of his three point attempts. He tweaked his ankle in the first half and was ruled out shortly after. He recently returned from a seven-game absence because of a calf injury, so fantasy managers could see him miss more time. If that's the case, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Royce O'Neale, averaging 11.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in two starts this season, may take Durant's spot in the rotation until he's ready to return.
According to Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, forward Kevin Durant (calf) is expected to play in Wednesday's meeting with the Nets. The veteran returned for Tuesday's win over the Lakers after missing seven games because of a calf injury. He played well, scoring 23 points in 30 minutes. With that in mind, there's a good chance Durant may play less than he did on Tuesday, especially if the Suns build a big lead. Still, he's a must-start in redraft formats, although DFS managers may want to play if safe and consider other options.
Kevin Durant Could Be On A Minutes Restriction On Tuesday
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) is officially active heading into Tuesday's game versus the Los Angeles Lakers. The 36-year-old has missed the last seven games because of a strained calf. Unfortunately, the Suns have struggled while Durant has been sidelined. But he's back, although head coach Mike Budenholzer indicated the team will be "logical" in managing his minutes moving ahead. While Durant is a lock for redraft formats, DFS managers may want to pump the brakes until he proves he's ready for his pre-injury workload.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) has been sidelined for the last seven games but his return is finally on the horizon. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Durant is planning to return on Tuesday along with teammate Bradley Beal (calf). The Suns have been on a five-game losing streak lately while both Durant and Beal watched from the sidelines. Their timing lines up with one of their NBA Cup games against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant should especially be in fantasy lineups regardless of format.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) could return as early as Tuesday next week against the Lakers for the NBA Cup game. The 36-year-old has been out since suffering a left calf strain against the Mavs on November 9th. Getting Durant back will be a massive boost for fantasy managers, as he is averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.9% from behind the arc. In the meantime, Devin Booker will need to continue to pick up some of the slack on the scoring end, while Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale could also surpass fantasy expectations at times until Durant is back.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (calf) suffered a left calf strain in Friday's win over the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, he will miss at least two weeks before being re-evaluated. The 36-year-old continues to play well despite being in the league since 2007, averaging 27.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 42.9% from behind the arc. The Suns are thin as it is, so losing a player of Durant's caliber is not good news for a team aspiring for a championship. While he is sidelined, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal should pick up some of the slack on the scoring end. Tyus Jones, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale could also surpass fantasy expectations at times until Durant returns.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant recently admitted he has thought about calling it quits. "As I get older in the league and the league is getting younger, I tend to think about retirement more," said Durant. "Should I stop thinking about it? What is that? But it creeps in my mind for sure." The 35-year-old finished last season by averaging 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 41.3% from behind the arc. While Durant has been in the league for well over a decade, he is as good as ever. Fantasy managers should consider him a first-round draft pick heading into the 2024-25 campaign. However, his dynasty stock will fall somewhat after his recent revelation.
Kevin Durant Becomes All-Time Leading Scorer For Team USA
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant made history on Tuesday, becoming Team USA's all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition. Durant already held the top mark among male players after moving past Carmelo Anthony last week, but he's now the record holder among both male and female players. Durant had 11 points in a 122-87 victory over Brazil in the Paris Olympics quarterfinals, surpassing Lisa Leslie, who posted 488 points during her Team USA career. Durant will head into the semifinal battle against Serbia sitting on 494 points. A calf injury threatened to ruin Durant's Olympics campaign, but he's been in impressive form and continues to get buckets with ease, even while being seven weeks away from his 36th birthday.
Kevin Durant
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