Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against OKC Thunder? | February 24th, 2023 | 2022-23 NBA Season

The Phoenix Suns have become the top favorites in the Western Conference following the trade deadline day addition of Kevin Durant. The Suns parted ways with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson in the process, but acquiring KD was a no-brainer.

The franchise was slumping before his addition. Devin Booker was out injured for a brief stretch, while Chris Paul has been far from the All-Star caliber he has been over the last two seasons. Durant's addition changes things for the team drastically.

However, Durant is yet to make his debut. The former Brooklyn Net has been on the sidelines since the first week of January due to an MCL sprain he sustained after Jimmy Butler bumped into him.

Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against OKC Thunder?

The Phoenix Suns will host the OKC Thunder at home in their first game after the 2023 NBA All-Star Break on Friday, February 24th. Kevin Durant is expected to be back at some point after the All-Star break, so fans are eager to know if he will be available against his former team, the Thunder.

The Suns' will have to wait for Durant's anticipated debut. The former MVP has been listed out as per the NBA's official injury report for the Thunder vs. Suns game. Phoenix has been on a bit of a roll lately. They have won seven of their last 10 games.

The Suns can afford to give Durant an extended break over the next couple of games. However, they need him up to speed on the team's system and style. Devin Booker hasn't played with a superstar like Durant before, so there is some chemistry building that needs to happen with just over 20 games left before the playoffs.

How long will Kevin Durant be out?

Kevin Durant is expected to make his Phoenix Suns debut against the OKC Thunder. However, he has been listed as out for the contest. The Suns are reportedly targeting their road game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 2nd as a potential return date for KD.

The Athletic's Shams Charania was the first to report Durant's potential return date. Here's what he wrote:

"Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns are targeting his Suns debut and return to action in next Wednesday's road game against the Charlotte Hornets, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Durant is on cusp of return from MCL sprain that he suffered on Jan. 8."

Durant hinted in his last interview that his knee is solid. He revealed that the training staff is working with him on figuring out the best possible outcome for him as he prepares to return after nearly two months.