Kevin Durant Reportedly on Track to Return in Regular Season from Knee Injury

The Golden State Warriors are hopeful that Kevin Durant can return before the end of the regular season, according to Marc Stein of ESPN, given the progress he's made in his recovery from a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee.

Stein and Chris Haynes of ESPN.com added, "While noting that Durant is roughly at the halfway stage of his recovery journey, sources told ESPN.com that the Warriors are encouraged by the progress Durant has made in the 22 days since he suffered a sprained MCL and tibial bone bruise in his left knee on Feb. 28."

Durant suffered the knee injury in late February and the Warriors have gone a pedestrian 7-5 in his absence, though they are currently on a five-game winning streak.

The talented forward was in the MVP conversation before going down with his knee injury, leading the Warriors with 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. The Warriors were 50-9 to start the year and looked likely to cruise to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, though his injury has allowed the San Antonio Spurs—currently 2.5 games behind the Warriors—to close the gap. 

Earning the top seed will be the difference between avoiding the Houston Rockets until the conference finals and potentially having to face them in the second round. James Harden and the explosive Houston offense is perhaps the only team in the NBA that can match the Warriors in a shootout.

Durant's presence in Golden State, however, makes them nearly impossible to defend. He has also improved his interior defense this season, giving the starting lineup a solid rim-protector.

If Durant can return in the regular season, it will give him the opportunity to get back into a rhythm. That would be far preferable to having to incorporate him back into the flow of the team during the playoffs.