Thunder's Kevin Durant (foot) will return Tuesday vs. Pelicans
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks announced that forward Kevin Durant will return Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing the start of the season with a foot injury, The Oklahoman's Anthony Slater reports.
Brooks also said Durant will be limited to around 30 minutes of playing time. Durant had surgery on Oct. 16 to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot and returned to practice last week. He is the reigning MVP after averaging 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season.
The Thunder has been hit hard by injuries to start the season. Point guard Russell Westbrook missed nearly a month after breaking his hand during the second game of the season. He returned Saturday night and piled up 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 24 minutes.
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Durant's replacement, Perry Jones III, has not played since early November due to a knee injury. Several other players, including first-round pick Mitch McGary, have missed time with injuries this season.
The Thunder has started the season 5-12 and is 4.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
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- Paul Palladino
