The
Phoenix Suns have received a tough injury update ahead of Tuesday's key matchup against the Golden State Warriors — Kevin Durant will remain sidelined due to a left ankle sprain, further jeopardizing the team’s postseason hopes.
Durant has now missed a full week of action since suffering the injury during a March 30 clash with the Houston Rockets. The Suns have since dropped four straight games, putting their NBA Play-In Tournament hopes at serious risk.
According to Suns insider Gerald Bourguet, the star forward is officially ruled out for the upcoming game:
“Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) remains out for tomorrow's game against the Warriors. Nick Richards (right elbow soreness) is probable,” Bourguet reported via X (formerly Twitter).
Phoenix Suns Struggling Without Kevin Durant
Durant’s continued absence is a major blow for Phoenix, who are fighting to stay alive in the Western Conference playoff race. The 13-time All-Star has been leading the Suns in scoring, averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game over 62 appearances. He’s also shooting an impressive 52.7% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
Without Durant, the Suns have struggled significantly on both ends of the floor. In his absence, Phoenix is averaging just 108.3 points per game while conceding 129 points per game, resulting in an average losing margin of 20.7 points. For the season overall, the Suns average
116.6 points scored and
119.2 points allowed.
Suns’ Playoff Hopes Hanging by a Thread
With
a 35-43 record, the Suns currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, trailing the Dallas Mavericks by 2.5 games and the Sacramento Kings by three. One more loss could effectively eliminate Phoenix from playoff contention with just four regular-season games remaining.
The Suns will now need a huge effort from Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and the rest of the supporting cast in Tuesday’s must-win game against Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
What’s Next for Phoenix?
Following the Golden
State matchup, the Suns return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 9 at 10 p.m. ET. With the postseason slipping further away, every game from here on out is do-or-die for Phoenix.
