Kevin Durant is out from All-Star Game next week due to injury

Kevin Durant will be out of the All-Star Game, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, who tweeted:

“Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant (MCL sprain) will not play in next week’s All-Star game in Salt Lake City, league sources told @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.”

The Brooklyn Nets star will miss his 14th straight game on Tuesday due to an MCL sprain. In 39 games played this season, Durant has averaged 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game on 55.9% shooting from the field, 37. 6% from triples and 93.4% from the free throw line. .

Durant has been selected to 13 All-Star Games, yet he has only played in ten of them. He has missed all three All-Star Games to which he has been selected as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, last appearing in the contest as a member of the Golden State Warriors in 2018-2019.

In his ten appearances, Durant has averaged 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks on 53.6% shooting from the field, 34.9% from 3-point range. and 89.7% from the free throw line. He has been named a two-time All-Star Game MVP, winning the award in 2012 and 2019, his most recent appearance in the contest. It was previously reported that he hoped to appear in the pageant.

Will any other stars join Kevin Durant in missing the 2022-2023 All-Star Game?

Kevin Durant isn’t the only star player to be left out of the All-Star Game. Golden State Warriors star and former Durant teammate Steph Curry will also be out of the contest with a leg injury. Plus, Zion Williamson, who missed the last 19 games, is unlikely to suit up while he recovers from a strained hamstring.

With three starters likely sidelined, it will be interesting to see how the NBA decides to replace each star. In Durant’s case, his replacement will come from the Eastern Conference and will likely have to be a frontcourt player since the conference will be short one of the six required frontcourt players.

The pick will be picked by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and while many saw the Eastern Conference’s biggest snubs as backcourt players like James Harden, Jalen Brunson and Trae Young, it’s unlikely all three will be picked. . Instead, it’s possible Pascal Siakam or Jimmy Butler could be picked as a replacement.