Why Is Kevin Durant Not Playing Tonight vs the Pacers?

Of their last 21 games, the Brooklyn Nets have managed to win 14. Considering their 2-6 start to the season, things couldn’t have been better. Steve Nash’s exit has helped Brooklyn turn things around. With a two-win streak behind them, the Nets would preferably like to continue winning. However, facing Indiana won’t be as simple this time around.

The Nets face the Pacers without their best offensive option on Saturday. Kevin Durant, who is currently the top scorer for Brooklyn, is ruled out. But that’s not the end of Brooklyn’s woes. It seems that even Kyrie Irving will remain absent from the game.

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Vaughn wants Kevin Durant to rest

The good news for Brooklyn fans is that Kevin Durant isn’t injured. Having played 36+ minutes in the last 27 games, it seems Vaughn is taking a tactical decision of resting his superstar. Considering the other issues with the roster, it seems like the right choice at the moment.

Nets say Kevin Durant (rest) and Kyrie Irving (left adductor tightness), Seth Curry (rest), Nic Claxton (right hamstring tightness), Ben Simmons (rest), TJ Warren (rest), Royce O’Neale (personal reasons) and Joe Harris (rest) all out tonight vs. Pacers.

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) December 10, 2022

At least 8 of the Nets player will not dress up against the Pacers. The list, which is made up of the top talent, includes Kyrie Irving, Seth Curry, Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton, Joe Harris, TJ Warren, and Royce O’Neal.

Sending KD to fight the Pacers tomorrow would have served no purpose. Indiana has already proven to be a formidable opponent for the Nets. In their three games this season, the Pacers have managed to beat Brooklyn twice. He is averaging over 32 points against them this season.

In addition to Durant, Kyrie’s absence will also hurt the Nets. Left adductor tightness will effectively keep him from taking his 30-point streak to the third game.

It is likely that Indiana will the next game with Brooklyn missing so many key players. However, this seems like a necessary sacrifice rather than an impediment in their plan to reach the playoffs.

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