ORLANDO — Kevin Durant is making “good progress” in working his way back from a left ankle sprain suffered in the first half of last week’s win over San Antonio, said Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer.
“We feel like the reports that we’re getting back are very positive,’ said Budenholzer before Sunday’s game at Orlando (16-9) to conclude a three-game road trip. “We’ll see how the next day or two go and I think re-evaluate him. It’ll be good for us to get back and give him some love. He’ll probably give us some love. It’s always good to be around Kevin. He’s good for our spirit.”
Durant is scheduled for a re-evaluation this week. The Suns (12-10) are 1-8 without him as they’ve lost their last against New Orleans (5-19) and Miami (11-10).
“They’re ready to go.”
Mike Budenholzer on Suns as they face Magic after losses to Pelicans, Heat.
Kevin Durant (ankle) doing on-court work in Phoenix. Re-evaluation this week.
“The reports that we’re getting back are very positive. We’ll see how the next day or two go.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/RGpt4SbjLi
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 8, 2024
“He’s been on the court doing a little bit of stuff,” Budenholzer added as Durant has been back in Phoenix working during this three-game road trip for the Suns.
The Suns have four days between Sunday’s game and Friday’s matchup at Utah, giving Durant even more time to return for that Dec. 13 game against the Jazz (5-17).
Rookie forward Ryan Dunn will miss his third straight game Sunday with left ankle soreness while 7-footer Jusuf Nurkic will miss a fifth straight game as he’s been dealing with a right thigh contusion.
Both have been doing on-court work at practice and before games