Kevin Durant Set to Return as Suns Take on Grizzlies

Kevin Durant will be back in action after missing three games when the Phoenix Suns host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

Durant has been sidelined since Feb. 3 with a left ankle sprain suffered in an overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Without him, the Suns struggled, winning just one of three games and falling to 2-11 on the season when he’s out.

His return comes at a crucial time as Phoenix, sitting at .500, looks to gain traction in the Western Conference playoff race.

Durant Addresses Trade Rumors, Nears 30K Points

The NBA trade deadline brought plenty of speculation about Durant’s future in Phoenix, but the Suns ultimately decided to keep their Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal intact.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star, wasn’t fazed by the chatter.

At 36 years old, Durant remains one of the game’s elite scorers and is now just 26 points away from reaching 30,000 career points, a milestone only seven other players in NBA history have hit.

Suns Look to Build Momentum Despite Beal’s Absence

Despite Durant’s return, the Suns will still be without Bradley Beal, who will miss his third straight game with a left big toe injury. However, Grayson Allen (knee) is probable for the matchup.

Phoenix is coming off a 135-127 overtime win against the Utah Jazz, fueled by Booker’s 47-point performance. He has scored 30 or more in four of his last six games, proving he can carry the offensive load when needed.

Grizzlies Aim to Bounce Back After Loss to Thunder

Memphis had been one of the league’s hottest teams, winning 10 of 11 before falling 125-112 to Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Rebounding was a major issue in the loss, as Memphis was outworked on the boards 55-40. Desmond Bane led the team with 20 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 19.

Ja Morant, who had been averaging 25.5 points in the previous two games, struggled against the Thunder, shooting just 6-of-19 from the field.

Bane, however, remains a steady force for Memphis, averaging 22 points over the past three games and reaching 20+ points in 14 of his last 17 outings.

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Season Series and What’s at Stake

The Grizzlies already have one win over the Suns this season, a 117-112 victory in Phoenix on Dec. 31, where Jackson erupted for 38 points and Bane added 31.

Now, with Durant back and the Suns desperate to string together wins, this game could be pivotal for both teams heading into the All-Star break.

Will Durant’s return spark the Suns, or can the Grizzlies continue their strong run? Expect an intense battle in Phoenix.