Thunder's Kevin Durant Will Play Against Hawks

Durant originally was listed as doubtful for the game before being upgraded to a game-time decision.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:15 pm

By: News On 6

Thunder's Kevin Durant Will Play Against Hawks

Originally Published: Mar 4, 2011 5:56 PM CDT

Oklahoma Sports Staff

ATLANTA – According to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s radio broadcast team and confirmed by Atlanta Hawks media relations director Arthur Triche, Kevin Durant is expected to play and start Friday against the Hawks.

Durant sustained a sprained ankle in the Thunder’s last game against the Indiana Pacers when he stepped on the foot of Tyler Hansbrough. Head coach Scott Brooks originally said it was doubtful Durant would be able to play, but his status was upgraded to a game-time decision earlier Friday.

Durant became the youngest scoring champion in NBA history last season, and again is leading the league this year. His average of 28.4 points per game is more than two points higher than LeBron James, who is second.

The Thunder has experienced a sudden rash of injuries since it engaged in two trades at the NBA trade deadline. In addition to Durant’s injury, Kendrick Perkins is expected to miss two weeks with a sprained knee, and Nate Robinson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Friday and will miss between four and six weeks.

Oklahoma Sports will bring you more information about Durant’s status as it becomes available.