February 15, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (right) helps up center DeAndre Jordan (6) against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant will not return from his left hamstring injury prior to the All-Star break, the team announced Friday.
The Nets reached that decision involving Durant after he underwent a follow-up MRI exam on the hamstring.
“The latest images provided a clearer picture of the hamstring and while we are confident that Durant will return at full strength, this extra recovery time will allow him to perform at the level at which he has been playing this season once he returns,” the Nets said in a statement. “Durant will continue to undergo rehabilitation and will be re-assessed following the break.”
Durant has missed the past six games. Friday’s determination means he will also sit out the next three prior to the break, which begins on March 5.
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The All-Star Game is slated for March 7 in Atlanta. Durant was selected as an All-Star starter, as well as one of two captains along with LeBron James, so the NBA will need to name a replacement starter as well as add a member to the team.
The Nets begin play after the All-Star break on March 11 against the Boston Celtics.
Durant, 32, is averaging 29.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 19 games this season after missing all of 2019-20 due to recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals.
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–Field Level Media