Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant Expected to Return Today

By Cheri Cheng - 31 Dec '14 13:37PM

Oklahoma City Thunder Kevin Durant is expected to play against the Phoenix Suns tonight after a six-game break due to an ankle injury, sources reported. Coach Scott Brooks has confirmed that their reigning MVP will be back in the lineup. OKC beat writer, Darnell Mayberry added that Durant's "minutes will be in the mid-30s."

Durant sustained the injury during the Dec. 18 game against the Golden State Warriors. The 6-foot-9 forward sprained his ankle on the same foot that was surgically repaired when he landed on Marreese Speights' foot during a drive to the basket.

Prior to the injury, Durant was 10 of 13 and scored 30 points in 19 minutes. The Thunder ended up losing the game. Since then, the team went 3-3 without Durant.

Durant was able to complete two full-speed practices during the Monday and Tuesday sessions. After Monday's practice, Brooks stated that Durant "was very lively and active on both ends of the floor. He's progressing well."

Durant did not play in the first 17 games of the season after undergoing surgery due to a Jones fracture in his right foot. He suffered the injury in October, right before the start of the season.

"When we become whole again, and we make another adjustment, I feel our team is as good as any team in this league," Brooks said Tuesday according to ESPN.com.

The Thunders (15-17) are currently in 10th in the Western Conference.

Durant has played in nine games. He averaged 22.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists. His player efficiency rating is at 28.2.