Kevin Durant was averaging 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range before his latest setback. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Nets' Kevin Durant to return before All-Star break?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/23/21

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant hasn't played since a 134-117 win at the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 13 due to a strained left hamstring and is sidelined for Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, Brooklyn coach Steve Nash told reporters that he believes Durant will return before the All-Star break scheduled for March 5-10, but added that the Nets "will continue to prioritize caution in bringing the All-Star back" to the active roster:

Nets coach Steve Nash says the team does expect Kevin Durant to return before the All-Star break but will continue to prioritize caution in bringing Durant back.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 23, 2021

Following Tuesday's game against the Kings, the Nets are scheduled to complete four additional contests between Thursday and March 3. Some, particularly passionate Brooklyn fans, may wonder why Nash would rush Durant back before the break. The Nets began Tuesday afternoon winners of six straight and improved to 20-12 overall with a 112-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers this past Sunday, and the outcomes of upcoming matchups against the Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets matter little compared to Durant's health for the second half of the season and the playoffs.

Durant was averaging 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 43.4% from three-point range before his latest setback.

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