Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against the Orlando Magic? Latest injury update on Suns star ahead of matchup (March 16, 2023)

Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant last played on March 5.

Durant has missed the Suns' last four games due to a left ankle sprain that he suffered during pregame warmups on March 8. Following his injury, the Suns announced on March 9 that Durant would be re-evaluated in three weeks.

As a result, Durant is still listed as out for the Suns’ matchup versus Orlando on Thursday night (March 16).

With just 13 games remaining for Phoenix, it is still unclear whether Durant will return before the end of the season. However, recent updates suggest that he could be ready shortly before the start of the playoffs.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne recently provided an update on Durant’s injury, explaining that the Suns’ front office is being cautious with him. However, she noted that if the playoffs started today, Durant may have tried playing through the injury:

“There’s a sense that they’re just being very cautious. (Suns GM) James Jones said the other day that if this was the playoffs, maybe (Durant) would try it,” Shelburne reported.

Shelburne then explained that based on everything she has heard, she expects Durant to return with just a couple of games remaining at best:

“I think with his injury history and especially lower leg injuries, that is why you are extra careful here to get him feeling as good as he can before the playoffs. But the sense I have is that if he comes back, it’ll be toward the end of the regular season with just a couple of games left."

How has Phoenix fared with and without Kevin Durant this season?

Phoenix Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant

Since being traded from Brooklyn to Phoenix ahead of the trade deadline, Kevin Durant has only appeared in three games for the Suns. However, Durant and the Suns still looked dominant during the short time he was healthy.

Durant is averaging 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 2.3 3-pointers per game on 69.0% shooting through three games with Phoenix.

The team have gone 3-0 with Durant. In contrast, the Suns are just 34-32 without Durant this season, including losing their last three games.

Overall, Phoenix are 37-32 and fourth in the Western Conference. The Suns will be taking on a struggling Orlando team (28-41, 13th in the East) on Thursday night. So Thursday’s game should provide the Suns with a prime opportunity to end their losing streak.