Is Kevin Durant playing tonight against Utah Jazz? Latest update on All-Star forward's return from injury (Dec. 13)

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant will make his return from a three-game absence in Friday's contest against the Utah Jazz. The All-Star forward was out with a left ankle sprain, which he sustained in his last outing against the San Antonio Spurs on Dec. 3. Durant stepped on a Spurs player's foot while attempting a drive to the basket and immediately went down with the injury.

He made his free throws before exiting the game. Durant has missed significant time this season after sitting on the sidelines with a left calf strain for two weeks in November. The Suns haven't been nearly as good as they are without him, going 1-9 in the two-time NBA Finals MVP's absence.

Phoenix is on a three-game losing streak since Durant's left ankle injury, so his return is a welcome sight.

Earlier, Kevin Durant was listed as probable on the Suns' official injury report but is cleared to play against Jazz

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Kevin Durant stats vs. Utah Jazz

Kevin Durant has played 46 games against the Utah Jazz, averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting on 51/36/91 splits. He has an impressive 30-16 record against the Western Conference outfit. Durant didn't suit up in the Suns' first season matchup against the Jazz on Nov. 12.

Interestingly, it's the only game Phoenix won in his absence. Devin Booker shone with 31 points in that game as the Suns won 120-112. Meanwhile, Bradley Beal had 24 points, and Mason Plumlee ended the night with a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double.

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How to watch Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz game?

Local TV operators Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports and KJZZ will provide coverage of the Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz game. NBA League Pass will provide online coverage for viewers outside Utah and Arizona. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Delta Center, Utah's home court.

With Kevin Durant likely to return, the Suns are -7.5-point favorites to win with a -305 money line. The 5-18 Jazz are among the bottom feeders in the NBA this season and are coming off a huge 141-97 loss against the Sacramento Kings.