The Phoenix Suns were finding their groove again when Kevin Durant got injured once more.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are starting to get some of their injured players back, although star Zion Williamson had a setback. Despite this, the team still isn’t fully on track.
Both teams continue to navigate around injuries as they prepare to meet on Thursday night in New Orleans.
The Suns have won three of their last four games after enduring a five-game losing streak. They are set to visit a Pelicans team that has lost nine consecutive games and currently holds the worst record in the Western Conference.
Phoenix defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs 104-93 on Tuesday night, but lost Durant to a sprained left ankle in the second quarter. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a week.
The Suns started the season strong at 8-1 before Durant sustained a left calf strain, leading to a 1-6 record during his absence.
Devin Booker scored 29 points against the Spurs, surpassing 15,000 points for his career. Phoenix went 3-1 in the NBA Cup but did not advance out of group play.
The Pelicans have won just two of their last 20 games amidst numerous key player injuries. Their projected starting five have yet to play together this season, but New Orleans is beginning to see some players return.
Guards Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum have started the last three games together, the only times this has occurred since opening night.
Murray, who had surgery to repair a fractured (non-shooting) wrist, has shot just 27.3 percent from the floor and 24 percent from three-point range since his return four games ago. However, he has averaged 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
Forward Herbert Jones, the team’s top perimeter defender, and leading scorer Brandon Ingram could return as soon as Thursday. However, Williamson’s return isn’t expected anytime soon, as he will miss at least two more weeks with a left hamstring injury.
