KD out at least two weeks with MCL sprain, to miss Dubs-Nets

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Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant will miss at least two weeks after an MRI revealed an isolated MCL sprain of his right knee, the team announced Monday.

Durant, who suffered a similar injury last season, will be re-evaluated in two weeks, meaning he will miss the Nets' game against the Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday, Jan. 22.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported there is optimism this injury is less severe and is unlikely to sideline Durant for more than a month.

Durant has yet to play in front of fans at Chase Center since leaving the Warriors after the 2018-19 season. His first game back in the Bay Area on Feb. 13, 2021 was played in an empty arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, Durant was injured when the Nets played in San Francisco on Jan. 29, 2022.

Durant suffered the injury Sunday during the third quarter of the Nets' 102-101 win over the Miami Heat when guard Jimmy Butler fell backwards to the court after having his shot blocked and collided into Durant's knee.

Durant initially remained in the game, repeatedly rubbing the knee before being taken out shortly after. He went straight to the locker room and did not return to the game.

Durant missed six weeks last season with a left MCL sprain, with the Nets going 5-16 in his absence. Durant, in 2017 with the Warriors, also missed more than a month after suffering a sprained MCL and tibial bone bruise.

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The 34-year-old Durant is averaging 30.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while helping the Nets overcome a tumultuous offseason and slow start to the regular season by guiding them to the second-best record in the NBA at 27-13.

The Nets will host the Celtics in their next game on Thursday.

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