The Phoenix Suns will welcome superstar forward Kevin Durant back on Friday night against the Utah Jazz, but shooting guard Bradley Beal was a late scratch due to right knee swelling.
Durant, who missed the last three games with a left ankle sprain, was listed as probable and will return to action. Center Jusuf Nurkic and rookie forward Ryan Dunn were also cleared to play, suggesting the Suns would be at full strength. However, Beal was added to the injury report just hours before tip-off and will sit out his ninth game this season due to various injuries. Royce O’Neale will step into Beal’s starting role.
In 13 games this season, Durant has been pivotal, averaging 25.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 53.6% from the field and 44.9% from beyond the arc. The Suns have struggled in his absence, holding a 1-9 record without him compared to an 11-2 mark with him on the court. Durant previously missed seven games in November due to a left calf strain.
The Suns entered Friday’s game on a five-day break following Sunday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, giving Durant extra time to recover. During his absence, O’Neale filled in admirably, scoring 58 points across three starts. However, the team’s other stars, Devin Booker and Beal, couldn’t secure victories in three tight contests without Durant.
Nurkic, sidelined for the past five games with a right thigh contusion, and Dunn, who missed three games with a left ankle injury, are also expected to return Friday night.
