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BOSTON — The Nets did not have their injured trio of Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, and T.J. Warren go to Boston for Wednesday’s 139-96 loss.
Nonetheless, they assert Simmons and Warren are leaning toward a comeback Saturday against the Wizards at home. The knee of Kevin Durant should be reevaluated immediately thereafter, with the expectation that he will return sooner rather than later.
Simmons and Warren were told by Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn, “Keep your optimism alive.”
“Yes, it’s only the following day. They simply were not prepared yet. Therefore, it seemed decided to leave them at home, where they may receive additional treatment, and maintain optimism for Saturday’s game against Washington. So, hopefully, that’s still part of the plan.”
Simmons was forced to leave the game against Detroit on January 26 and has now missed three consecutive games due to pain in his left knee. Warren was unable due to a left shin contusion. Vaughn asserted neither had an obstacle.
Kevin Durant (right), who attended the Nets’ victory over the Lakers, did not accompany the team to Boston for their loss to the Celtics, 139-96.
AP
“No, they’re just progressing in the right direction towards getting back on the floor,” Vaughn explained. We simply were not prepared to release them again at that time.
Durant sprained his right MCL on January 8 in Miami. The Nets announced on Tuesday, January 23, that the star forward would be evaluated again in two weeks.
Last season, he lost seven weeks due to an MCL injury in the other leg, but according to a source for The Post, this ailment is not as bad. Rich Kleiman, Durant’s manager and business partner, told ESPN that the star hopes to be healthy in time for the All-Star Game.
Rich Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s business partner and manager, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Countdown that KD remains hopeful that he may return and play during All-Star Weekend. “He desires to participate in the All-Star game on February 19. He is pleased with the progress of his rehabilitation, his appearance on the court, and most importantly, how he feels.
For Kevin Durant to play and return in time for All-Star Weekend, he will likely need to play a few of games before the Nets’ All-Star break.
The Nets allowed the Celtics 26 3-pointers, the second-most in an NBA game this season. On November 5, the Knicks allowed 27 points against the Celtics.
The Nets’ first-quarter deficit of 46-16 was the largest first-quarter lead in Celtics history.
Yuta Watanabe scored six points on a 1-for-4 shooting performance in 19 minutes after being listed as probable with back tightness. David Duke Jr., Kessler Edwards, and Dru Smith were on assignment with the G-League.
After being labeled as questionable with a left ankle sprain, Boston big Robert Williams III scored 16 points and grabbed nine boards. Marcus Smart and Danilo Gallinari were both out.
»Ben Simmons, T.J. Warren, and Kevin Durant are kept at home by the Nets due to injury«