NBA Rumors: 'Optimism' Kevin Durant Returns from Injury Next Week; Could Face Lakers

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant is nearing a return to the court as he recovers from a left calf strain.

"I'm told he is progressing," ESPN's Shams Charania reported during Wednesday's NBA Today. "He will miss tonight's game, but there is optimism that Durant will be able to make his return at some point next week. Could be as soon as Tuesday's League Cup game against the Lakers or Wednesday against the Nets. Both games at home."

Durant's injury will be reevaluated later this week, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.

The 9-6 Suns have gone just 1-5 without Durant in the lineup, though five of those games have also been without Devin Booker, who is dealing with a similar injury. Center Jusuf Nurkic also missed Monday's loss against the Orlando Magic.

"Just understanding there's tough stretches through the season," Booker told reporters Wednesday regarding the team's current tough stretch. "It's a long season. It's more opportunity for other guys to learn, getting thrown in the fire. Everybody goes through it. We're not the only team that's dealing with injuries."

"It just comes down to find a way," Mason Plumlee added. "We have talent. We have players. Obviously, you'd love to have Kev and Brad and Nurk, but It doesn't mean we can't go win games. We just have to pick up individually across the board and hope we can get it done."

When healthy, the 36-year-old Durant was averaging 27.6 points, 6.6. rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three. He remains one of the most potent scorers in the NBA, though injuries have been an issue for Durant later in his career.

He did play in 75 total games last season, however. It was the most regular season games for Durant since the 2013-14 season.

Without him, Phoenix is a worse team on both sides of the ball, as evidenced by its most recent rough patch. Getting him back on the court next week would be a welcome development for the Suns as they look to keep pace with the top teams in the West.