The Phoenix Suns have been beset by numerous injuries to key players in their recent stretch of basketball coupled with an untimely road losing streak. However, an extended break in the schedule has given the team some much needed rest and promising updates.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Suns star Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined the last three games after tweaking his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs, is expected to make his return to the lineup in either their Friday game in Utah against the Jazz or this Sunday at home against the Portland Trail Blazers, per Shams Charania.
“I would say Kevin did 90-percent of today’s practice,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Wednesday. “(He) was good. I think we’re hopeful (and will) check in with him.”
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on injury updates for Kevin Durant (ankle), Jusuf Nurkic (thigh), Ryan Dunn (ankle) and Grayson Allen (ankle). #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/osgSAWMbDQ
— Connor Moreno (@cmorenosports) December 11, 2024
Of all the losses on the roster, the Suns have missed Durant the most. Phoenix is 11-2 in games that Durant plays and 1-9 in games he’s missed this season.
Suns co-star Devin Booker detailed that they have missed Durant, “in ever facet of the game, honestly. Hopefully we have him back soon but we still found some things that we need to work on and get better.”
Budenholzer also gave updates Wednesday on other Suns players who have been sidelined by injury — rookie Ryan Dunn (left ankle soreness), center Jusuf Nurkic (right thigh contusion) and veteran wing Grayson Allen (ankle).
“(Nurkic) did everything (in practice today),” Budenholzer said. “He’s feeling good… we’ll check in with him tomorrow. Ryan (Dunn) did everything, looking and feeling good. Grayson (Allen) may have done 20-percent of practice today.”
During the stretch that Phoenix is having (losing three-straight and nine of its last 12), it has been a point of emphasis to the roster to keep spirits high and focus on the path ahead of them. The Suns are currently 1-4 in the month of December and have two great tune-up opportunities against the Jazz on Friday and the Trail Blazers on Sunday after having four days off.
Stay tuned for more injury updates.
Suns ‘still in high spirits’ despite injuries, losing streak
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Reporter Connor Moreno covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @cmorenosports, and on Bluesky, @cloading.bsky.social
