Sources: Kevin Durant to skip All-Star Game, rehab injury as Nets eye playoffs

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is expected to miss his second straight All-Star Game as he recovers from an MCL sprain, league sources told Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes as he relayed on TNT Tuesday night.

Durant is out with an MCL sprain in his left knee after sustaining the injury Jan. 15. Durant was injured after teammate Bruce Brown fell backward into him after colliding with New Orleans Pelicans center Herbert Jones. Durant tried to continue, but eventually was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The Nets announced the injury, but did not give a timetable for his return.

The Nets are 2-3 since Durant's injury, including a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Brooklyn third behind the second-place Chicago Bulls and a game behind the conference-leading Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

By missing the All-Star Game, Durant is expected to continue his MCL rehab and prepare for a Nets playoff push.

Durant is averaging 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game this season.

The Nets have rarely had their heralded Big 3 on the court at the same time in the past two seasons. Kyrie Irving remains a part-time player who plays only in road games because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, which is a New York City requirement.

All-Star Game starters, captains to be announced Thursday

Durant is the current top vote-getter among East players in the latest All-Star Game tallies. Lakers star LeBron James leads the Western Conference players.

The captains and starters will be announced on Thursday. The 2022 All-Star Game is scheduled for Feb. 20 in Cleveland.

Durant also missed last season's All-Star Game while rehabbing a hamstring strain. He was a captain for the game, but did not play. He also missed all of the 2019-20 season because of an Achilles tear.