brooklyn nets kevin durant
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Kevin Durant’s hamstring injury continues to linger. The Brooklyn Nets provide an update on his timetable for return.

In a Friday afternoon news dump, the Brooklyn Nets announced that Kevin Durant will miss the All-Star Game due to his ongoing hamstring injury. Giannis Antetokounmpo will take Durant’s place as a team captain.

Durant last played against the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 13. There doesn’t seem to be a timetable for when Durant will return to the court, but we should receive an update sometime after the All-Star break.

The Nets released a statement on the injury update for Durant:

“After a routine follow-up MRI on his left hamstring, it was determined that Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant will require an additional recovery period that will result in him remaining out through the NBA All-Star break. The latest images provided a clearer picture of the hamstring and while we are confident that Durant will return at full strength, this extra recovery time will allow him to perform at the level at which he has been playing this season once he returns. Durant will continue to undergo rehabilitation and will be re-assessed following the break.”

This latest news is concerning. It was only a few days ago that head coach Steve Nash said he expected to have Durant back before the All-Star Game.

The good news for Brooklyn is that they are picking up steam like a freight train in spite of Durant’s absence. James Harden and Kyrie Irving are playing phenomenal, unselfish basketball and the glue guys like Bruce Brown and Joe Harris are filling in the gaps around those two superstars.

The Nets are on an eight-game winning streak and have moved to within a half-game of first place in the Eastern Conference. At the moment, there is no need to rush Durant back if he’s not 100%. Developing chemistry among the big three is important, but the long-term health of that trio seems to be the priority right now.

NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.