Is Kevin Durant playing tonight vs Thunder?
Fans look forward to Kevin Durant's debut as the Phoenix Suns take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday Night
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Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant was part of a blockbuster trade to the Phoenix Suns this trade deadline but is yet to make his debut in Arizona. KD has been playing at an MVP level this season which has fantasy owners salivating over his return. The Phoenix Suns play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night which is KD’s old team. He has been on a tear this season for the Brooklyn Nets and fantasy players will hope he continues that run with the Suns.
Kevin Durant will reunite with his assistant coach from his OKC days, Monty Williams, who is the head coach of the Suns. Williams has seen KD develop into the star he is and will have a blueprint to work around his skillset.
It is not hard to build a team around someone as talented as KD as long as he can stay fit. He was injured for the Brooklyn Nets and fantasy players will hope he is back for tonight’s game.
Is Kevin Durant playing tonight?
Kevin Durant has not recovered in time to start against the Thunder on Friday night. The forward suffered an MCL sprain on Jan 8th and has been out of action since then. KD picked up the injury in a win against the Miami Heat. Miami all-star Jimmy Butler fell into Durant’s knee inadvertently which sent KD into a world of pain. Durant tried to walk it off but was taken to the locker room promptly.
Athletic reporter Shams Charania tweeted – “Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns are targeting his Sun’s debut and return to action in next Wednesday’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Durant is on the cusp of return from MCL sprain that he suffered on Jan. 8.” Kevin Durant will miss out making his debut against the side who drafted him.
Where is Kevin Durant playing?
Kevin Durant will play as a small forward for the Phoenix Suns. Although he does have experience playing as a power forward in Brooklyn earlier this season. KD is a versatile 7-footer who can shoot from anywhere at a very high efficiency. KD will be the focal point of the Sun’s offense once he gets the starting role as he is averaging 29.7 PPG this season, more than anyone in Phoenix.
Kevin Durant will look to run an offense of pick and rolls and isolation plays along with veteran Chris Paul. Chris Paul is one of the best players off the pick and with the addition of KD, he has a reliable shooter to pass to. Devin Booker and Ayton will be the ones creating space and setting screens for this offense. KD demands more defensive attention so naturally, Booker will be able to get more open shots.
Also Read: Joe Budden rates LeBron James’ competition to be tougher than that of Michael Jordan’s
Kevin Durant’s fantasy update and predictions
Kevin Durant has been a dream for fantasy players this season as he averages 52.8 fantasy points per game this season. KD was an instrumental part of Brooklyn’s 12-game winning streak along with Kyrie Irving this season. Kevin Durant’s stats rank him 4th amongst small forwards and power forwards across the league. The Slim Reaper however will not be able to impact tonight’s game due to his injury. KD has been back stronger from worse injuries so the Suns will not be worried about his form.
Kevin Durant has always been a fantasy gem due to his scoring ability. After 15 seasons in the NBA, Kevin Durant ranks 4th all-time in points per game at 27.3. He is regarded as one of the most skilled scorers ever with his versatility to score from anywhere. KD is a 2x champion, 2x Finals MVP, and 1x league MVP. Kevin Durant might not be fit to start tonight’s game but he will be the key to your fantasy team in the future.
Also Read: WATCH: South Carolina fans chant “lock him up” every time Brandon Miller touches the ball
Kevin Durant alternatives for your fantasy team
Since KD will not be taking to the court tonight, here are some alternatives for your roster. Starting with all-star debutant Anthony Edwards. Ant-Man is in his third season in the league and is averaging 42 fantasy points per game. Edwards’ Minnesota Timberwolves will be taking on the struggling Charlotte Hornets which puts them as favorites for the game. Edwards will be expected to put on a show.
Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers is another reliable fantasy option. PG has been the main man for the Clippers when Kawhi Leonard has been injured and PG has not disappointed. PG is averaging 41 fantasy points per game and has been on a hot streak lately. The Los Angeles Clippers will be facing the Sacramento Kings on Friday night in an important match. The Clippers are 1.5 games behind the Kings and will look to Paul George to will them to victory. PG is leading the Clippers in points and assists this season which makes him a great choice for your team.
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Anuj Shrikanth Iyer
(290 Articles Published)