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Will Kevin Durant Play Tonight? Phoenix Suns vs Brooklyn Nets: Injury Updates, Expected Lineups, and Game Prediction

Published 02/16/2021, 2:30 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Brooklyn Nets won their third straight game as they defeated a young Sacramento Kings team. With their latest win, they have a record of 17 wins and 12 losses. They currently stand as the third seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Phoenix Suns won their sixth straight game as they cruised past the Orlando Magic. This amazing form has bolstered their record to 17 wins and 10 losses. They are currently the fourth seed in the loaded Western Conference.

The Nets face off against the Suns tonight at 10:30 PM EST. Take a look at the predicted lineups and the injury updates.

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Phoenix Suns injury updates and expected lineups

The Suns have been in blistering form recently, winning six games in a row. In their latest game against the Magic, the Suns put up a show and had a comfortable 109-90 victory.

Much of it has been due to the amazing scoring form their shooting guard, Devin Booker. In the last six games, Booker has averaged an insane 28.3 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game. Other players like Chris Paul, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have also been consistent.

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USA Today via Reuters

The Suns have only a single injury concern ahead of their game against the Nets. Forward Jalen Smith is out of the Nets’ game due to personal reasons. Other than Smith, the Suns have a fully healthy roster available.

The Suns are in a great run, but face an offensive juggernaut in the Brooklyn Nets.The only respite for the Suns is that Kevin Durant won’t be playing for the Nets.

Probable Lineup

Chris Paul (G)

Devin Booker (G)

Mikal Bridges (F)

Cameron Johnson (F)

DeAndre Ayton (F)

Brooklyn Nets- Injury update and lineup prediction

The Brooklyn Nets built on their two solid wins with their latest win against the resurgent Kings, beating them 136-125. Despite the absence of Kevin Durant, the other two stars, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, stepped up as they dropped a combined 69 points for the Nets.

The Nets were shaky in the first half, allowing the Kings to score 68 points, but in the second half they limited the Kings to only 57 points. They are finally putting the work on the defensive end and are able to see games out.

USA Today via Reuters

They have some major injury concerns as their guard Spencer Dinwiddie is out for the season with a partial ACL tear. Forward Nicholas Claxton is out with a knee injury, and guard Iman Shumpert is out due to a hamstring injury. Superstar Kevin Durant is out at least for two games with a mild hamstring strain.

The Nets were lethal in the offensive end against the Kings. Given the offensive prowess they have, Harden and Irving might be a handful for the Suns.

Probable Lineup

Kyrie Irving (G)

James Harden (G)

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Joe Harris (F)

Jeff Green (F)

Bruce Brown (C)

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Predictions

The Nets are coming off of a fantastic win against the Kings, but face a great all-round team in the Phoenix Suns next. Considering the form the Suns are in and the fact that they have a healthy roster, the Suns might edge the Nets in this game.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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