Why is Kevin Durant not playing tonight against New Orleans Pelicans? Latest injury update for former NBA MVP (Dec. 5)

Kevin Durant will not play in Thursday's game between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. The former NBA MVP is ruled out, citing a left ankle sprain. Durant suffered the injury against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Durant rolled his left ankle on a drive attempt late in the second quarter.

He exited the game shortly and never returned, eventually being ruled out of the contest. According to the latest injury update, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Durant could be out for a week or two.

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It's a tough break for him and the Suns, who have found immense success with Durant in the lineup. They were 11-2 when he played and 1-6 in his absence. '

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Moreover, Kevin Durant returned after missing seven straight games on Nov. 26 and has been in action for four games since before suffering another setback. He was out, citing a left calf strain before his latest injury.

The Suns will also miss Jusuf Nurkic's services, who is out citing a right thigh contusion. Nevertheless, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are available, and the duo playing to its potential could help the Suns easily handle business against the shorthanded Pelicans.

Suns better equipped to play without Kevin Durant this time

The Suns faced a difficult stretch during Kevin Durant's previous injury hiatus this season. Bradley Beal also dealt with injuries. The Suns also ran through tougher opponents, especially the league's better defenses, in their 1-6 stretch.

However, the Suns have a relatively easier route this time to navigate through Durant's absence over the next week or two. They will face the Pelicans, Heat, Magic, Jazz and Trail Blazers over the next two weeks. Except for Orlando, all the other teams are either .500 or under.

They are also some of the league's most underperforming defenses. The Suns also won't be relying heavily on Devin Booker to bail them out. Point guard Tyus Jones has been efficient, and Beal's presumed prolonged presence on the floor eases the pressure on the superstar guard.

How to watch Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans game?

GCSEN and Arizona's Family 3TV / Arizona's Family Sports will provide coverage of the Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans game in the local regions. Viewers outside the local areas and U.S. can catch live action online via NBA League Pass. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje