Just now, the Nets announced the results of Durant's knee examination: "The medial collateral ligament of the left knee is sprained." Subsequently, The Famous Writer Woj said: "The Nets management believes that Durant can complete the comeback in 4 to 6 weeks." Durant's performance this season is obvious to all, as of now, the average score per game ranked first in the league, and the top two players who were unanimously voted in the first two stages, and they are the popular candidates for the 21-22 season MVP!
Durant suffered a mistake from the "defensive tip" Brown this time, optimistic estimates will be absent for more than a month, the team management also reiterated that durant will be very cautious when to return to the team, so that Durant can play in the 21-22 season All-Star Game (February 20) has become unknown, competing for the regular season MVP award, I am afraid it has become a bubble.
However, "Sai Weng lost his horse and knew that it was not a blessing"! After entering 2022, the Nets have won only 4 of their 9 games, with a win rate of less than 50%, but the Bulls, who have rushed to the top of the table, have never been able to open the gap (half a win), and Durant's injury at this time is bound to trigger a series of butterfly effects!
Before the 21-22 All-Star Game, the Nets have 17 more games to play, and I am afraid that the team will not get Durant's help during this time. However, I have to say that God left a window for the Nets while closing the door for them, why do you say so? In the Nets' next 14 games, 11 will be away from home, I believe that so far in history, no team will look forward to away games like the Nets, an important reason is that the Nets can welcome back the "strongest part-time player in history" Irving.
There is also an interesting statistic that the Nets have a 15-5 away record so far this season, and only 12-11 at home. In addition, during Durant's absence last season, Harden and Irving played in 19 games at the same time, with a record of 16 wins and 3 losses, so there is reason to believe that although Durant will be absent for a long time due to injury, the Nets will not fall out of the top five (the winning margin in the top five in the East is only 1.5 wins at most).
As we all know, the Nets have sent different starting lineups so far this season, ranking second in the league after the Lakers, and are the team that uses the most young players (under 20). Although young players will do their best to get a name, the lack of experience and lack of lineup fit is the Biggest problem for the Nets.
As a result, if the Nets want to win more in the last 13 games, Harden and Irving will have to stay on the court for a long time, because only in this way can the Nets maintain an advantage on the offensive end.
However, I believe that fans will not forget that last season in Durant, Irving was absent for a period of time, Harden suffered from a hamstring strain due to excessive load, and then, despite getting a break, it was always difficult to get out of the shadow of injury, it was difficult to play its due strength, and finally fell on the East Finals stage. Now, Harden has once again taken this road, and so far, he has averaged 36.8 minutes per game, ranking second in the league, and more importantly, Harden often appears on the defensive end of the fourth and fifth positions.
If Durant and Harden can't stay healthy and Irving can't "turn right", it will be very difficult for the Nets to impact the championship! In addition, it is reported that "the Philadelphia 76ers will not trade Ben Simmons before the deadline, but are ready to fully facilitate the swap deal with Harden this summer."