Is Kevin Durant playing tonight? Exploring 2x NBA champion's availability vs Lakers | 2024 NBA preseason

Kevin Durant’s availability for the Phoenix Suns’ preseason finale against the LA Lakers on Thursday is uncertain. Durant was held out in his team’s 118-114 win versus the Denver Nuggets on Sunday for rest. The two-time NBA champion is listed as day-to-day so he still has a chance to play in the rematch against LeBron James and Co.

Durant played in the Suns’ first three preseason games before he was shelved for the matchup against Denver. He has not played in six days which might be enough for the training staff to give him the green light to play in Phoenix.

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Phoenix Suns continue to monitor Kevin Durant’s workload

Kevin Durant did not play in Team USA’s exhibition games leading to the Olympics because of a calf strain. He worked with the national team’s trainers and staff from the Phoenix Suns to figure out if he could play in Paris. KD eventually played in the opener against Serbia and mesmerized basketball fans with perfect shooting to help the Americans to a 110-84 victory.

Durant has had time to rest his calf but the Suns continue to monitor his workload. Phoenix has steadily ramped up his minutes, playing him 14, 19 and 24 in his first three preseason games. As the regular season is a week away, he could see his playing time go up against the Lakers if he isn’t held out.

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Mike Budenholzer's Kevin Durant-led starting unit might finally play together on Thursday

Mike Budenholzer named Jusuf Nurkic, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Tyus Jones and Kevin Durant to the starting lineup before training camp started. Nurkic, who hasn't played in the preseason, will reportedly debut on Thursday against the LA Lakers. The Bosnian has been cleared to play after dealing with a finger issue in training camp.

If Booker, Beal, Jones and Durant, held out in their last game to rest, are cleared to play, Budenholzer will get his first look at his opening five.