NBA rumors: Kevin Durant could play if the playoffs started today

According to Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones, Kevin Durant could play if the playoffs started today.

On March 8, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant suffered an injury during warmups. Initially, the Suns feared Durant could miss the remainder of the regular season. However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania eventually reported that the team is “hopeful” Durant can return after two weeks.

Suns general manager James Jones shed further light on the injury (via Duane Rankin of AZ Central):

"“No. Players that play and play a lot it get banged up, but it’s a sprained ankle. It’s the type of thing that if we’re in the playoffs, if the playoffs were to start today, he’d be out there. He’d be struggling a little bit. I’m always concerned for our players’ health when guys are hurt. I’ve been in that seat where you’re hurt. You’re always concerned about health, but anything long-term, severe, no, not (concerned) at all.”"

This is excellent news for Suns’ fans. Durant has missed extended time in each of the last three seasons. So, avoiding a major injury is a big relief.

The Suns need Kevin Durant in the tight Western Conference race

The Suns are 3-0 when Durant plays. Since his injury, they are 1-2. In the absence of Durant, the Suns are feeling the losses of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, and their lack of depth is a real problem. During that stretch, their second unit has a total plus-minus of -57.

At the moment, the Suns are in fourth place in the Western Conference. However, both the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, who are riding a three-game winning streak, are 1.5 games behind. In addition, the Suns are trailing the third-seeded Sacramento Kings by 3.5 games.

With 14 games left to play, there is a range of possibilities here. If Durant returns two weeks after his initial injury, his first game back would be on March 22nd against the Los Angeles Lakers. That would give the Suns another 11 games with Durant in the lineup, and if the Kings lose a few games, they have an opportunity to jump up to the three seed.

Conversely, if Durant is held out, the Clippers and/or Warriors could build momentum and jump them in the standings.