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Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was removed from the starting lineup of Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors due to health and safety protocols.
To be more specific, Durant wouldn't be available for the start of the game. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Nets forward underwent contract tracing.
Meanwhile, after the game started, Malika Andrews of ESPN noted that Durant rejoined the team and has since checked in late in the first quarter.
Kevin Durant will not be available to begin tonight’s game due to health and safety protocols, the team says. A team source said they are awaiting further updates to see if he may be available later in the game.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) February 6, 2021
Durant is now checking in for the Nets. https://t.co/EFXA4x0w3y
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) February 6, 2021
Kevin Durant is the second-highest scorer in the NBA with 30.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He has led the Nets to a 14-9 start, good for third in the Eastern Conference.
For what it's worth, even without KD starting, the Nets still have Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Considering that, head coach Steve Nash was unlikely concerned about the issue.
It was reported earlier in the week that the NBA COVID situation had settled down a bit, and the league has decided to go forth with an All-Star game in March in Atlanta, much to the dismay of many players.
Raptors guard Fred VanVleet just erupted for 54 points on Tuesday against the Orlando Magic, and Toronto looks to upset the Nets and improve their standing in the East.
