Earlier this week, ESPN's Marc Stein reported that Kevin Durant would be returning to the Golden State Warriors‘ lineup on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. On Thursday, Golden State essentially confirmed the report, announcing that Durant has been cleared to practice without any restrictions and if he doesn't suffer any setbacks, the Warriors All-Star will indeed play in New Orleans.
Kevin Durant has been cleared to return to full team practices. Barring any setbacks, it is anticipated he will play in Saturday's game. pic.twitter.com/uE2SfJnc9j
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 6, 2017
Durant has been injured sine Feb. 28, after teammate Zaza Pachulia inadvertently fell on him in Golden State's loss to the Washington Wizards. He suffered a Grade 2 left MCL sprain and has missed Golden State's last 19 games. Durant has been slowly ramping up his activity in recent weeks and seems to be progressing right on schedule, able to return before the start of the playoffs.
Golden State has gone 15-4 without Durant but will greatly benefit from his return, especially since the Warriors All-Star is averaging 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season. If Durant is able to play against the Pelicans, that will give him three games to get into a rhythm before the postseason, which should make the Warriors that much more deadly of a threat in the playoffs.
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