Kevin Durant had his most frustrating season of his career last year, and the plan was for him to remain healthy this year as he heads into free agency. Less than 10 games into the 2015-16 campaign, Durant has gone down with another injury. This one is not as severe, as he is expected to miss 7-10 days with a left hamstring strain.
It is not a guarantee that he will come back after that time frame. The Thunder forward will be re-evaluated before being cleared to play. The injury occurred in Tuesday's 125-101 win over the Washington Wizards, when Durant landed awkwardly on a second-quarter drive to the basket.
The soon to be free agent said he landed much harder on his leg than he wanted to, and an MRI on Wednesday revealed the strain. Kyle Singler took over in the second half of Tuesday's game. Dion Waiters is listed as the backup, but head coach Billy Donovan said that Waiters was dealing with "stomach issues" and will most likely start in Durant's absence.
The former league MVP played in only 27 games last season due to a Jones fracture in his right foot, which required three separate surgeries. He plans on remaining healthy, not only to boost his value in the market, but to team up with star Russell Westbrook and lead OKC in the tough Western Conference.
After dealing with the major injury last season, Durant says he will not play until he "feels right" because he doesn't want to risk another major setback.
Donovan, in his first year with the team, said he is relieved that the injury is not serious, but acknowledges that it will take a team effort to replace their star. The Thunder will play five games the next 10 days, including matchups against the 76ers, Celtics, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Knicks.
Durant got off to a good start in his return this year, averaging 28.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in eight games, and the hope is for him to stay on track following this minor hitch.
It is not a guarantee that he will come back after that time frame. The Thunder forward will be re-evaluated before being cleared to play. The injury occurred in Tuesday's 125-101 win over the Washington Wizards, when Durant landed awkwardly on a second-quarter drive to the basket.
The soon to be free agent said he landed much harder on his leg than he wanted to, and an MRI on Wednesday revealed the strain. Kyle Singler took over in the second half of Tuesday's game. Dion Waiters is listed as the backup, but head coach Billy Donovan said that Waiters was dealing with "stomach issues" and will most likely start in Durant's absence.
The former league MVP played in only 27 games last season due to a Jones fracture in his right foot, which required three separate surgeries. He plans on remaining healthy, not only to boost his value in the market, but to team up with star Russell Westbrook and lead OKC in the tough Western Conference.
After dealing with the major injury last season, Durant says he will not play until he "feels right" because he doesn't want to risk another major setback.
Donovan, in his first year with the team, said he is relieved that the injury is not serious, but acknowledges that it will take a team effort to replace their star. The Thunder will play five games the next 10 days, including matchups against the 76ers, Celtics, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Knicks.
Durant got off to a good start in his return this year, averaging 28.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists in eight games, and the hope is for him to stay on track following this minor hitch.
