The Brooklyn Nets are hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. It is their last game at home before they head out on a five-game road trip. Having faced the Boston Celtics without Kevin Durant, the Nets came up short-handed. They were handed a 109-98 defeat, courtesy of a strong team effort led by Jayson Tatum.
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Kyrie Irving had 24 points, and T.J. Warren added another 20, but the team did not have the offensive punch to cover the gap.
Having won 18 out of their last 21 games, the Nets had climbed to the 2nd seed in the East with a 27-14 record. However, not having Kevin Durant on the court has impacted the team both on the offensive and the defensive end.
As they prepare to host KD’s old team, Nets fans wonder whether the Durantula would suit up for the contest.
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Kevin Durant is OUT for tonight’s contest against Thunder
En route the 102-101 win over the Miami Heat, the Nets lost their MVP candidate. During a third-quarter possession, Jimmy Butler ended up landing on Kevin Durant’s knee after a layup attempt.
Kevin Durant had to leave the game after Jimmy Butler landed on his knee on this play.
— ‘ (@_Talkin_NBA) January 9, 2023
KD was diagnosed with an MCL sprain, the same injury that kept him out for nearly two months last season.
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain in right knee and will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2023
Even though he’s supposed to be re-evaluated in two weeks, Durant’s expected to miss about a month.
Heading into tonight’s contest, the Nets would have their entire team present, minus KD.
Aside from Kevin Durant (right knee – MCL sprain), the Nets have a clean injury report heading into tomorrow’s game vs. OKC.
No players are assigned to the G League.
— Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB) January 14, 2023
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Can KD still win MVP?
Before getting injured, Kevin Durant was playing at an MVP level. Last week he was #3 on the MVP ladder, trialing only Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum. After a 1-5 start to the season, the Nets have gone 26-9. All of this is with KD leading the way for the team.
He’s averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists for the season. If KD returns and can lead the Nets to a good seeding while keeping up his numbers, he may have a chance at winning his 2nd MVP.
Although considering how the other candidates are playing and how injuries derail the MVP campaign, it won’t be an easy task.
