PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns season continues to crash toward the finish line. After an embarrassing 148-109 loss to the Houston Rockets, Phoenix had more bad news, with superstar Kevin Durant leaving the game due to an ankle injury. The 15-time All-Star’s MRI showed that he will miss a minimum of three games for the team’s road trip, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix Suns All-Star Kevin Durant is expected to miss at least one week through team's three-game road trip with a left ankle sprain, sources tell ESPN. Suns are 1.5 games out of Play-In with the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA.
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— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 31, 2025
Seven games remain in the season, and the franchise is 1.5 games out of the last Play-In spot. Rushing Durant back could be the difference between making the postseason or reinjuring him and missing the playoffs. The 36-year-old’s health is the top priority, so if he can’t go, Phoenix will have a tough time keeping its Playoff hunt alive.
Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) leaves the court after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Suns record without Durant this season: 2-11
The team’s two wins without Durant this season were both against the Utah Jazz, who are currently the worst team in the association. The Suns’ point differential is -126 in games without its star forward. The roster struggles mightily with Durant out of the lineup, and with the franchise having the hardest remaining schedule in the NBA, it spells trouble.
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on alongside Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The only hope is that guard Devin Booker can somehow carry the load. In 13 games without Durant this year, the four-time All-Star averages 26.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. Bradley Beal has missed the previous seven games, and despite fans’ beliefs about the Suns guard, he would be a massive help in Durant’s absence.
Still, a lot can happen in the final seven games of the season, but the battle for the playoffs just got tougher with Durant missing the team’s three-game road trip.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
