WASHINGTON — The Nets’ harm information isn’t all unhealthy. It simply appears that means generally.
However James Harden seems to have come by way of Monday’s knock simply wonderful and is ready to play in Wednesday’s game at Washington. In the meantime, a number of specialists who spoke with The Submit reiterated that Kevin Durant prevented a worst-case state of affairs along with his knee harm.
Dr. Justen Elbayer, orthopedic surgeon and sports activities drugs specialist at NYU Langone Well being, instructed The Submit a sprained left MCL ought to heal effectively with out surgical procedure and have Durant again on the ground effectively earlier than playoff time.
“Relating to the entire ligaments to presumably injure in his knee, from what we’ve learn relating to his harm, Mr. Durant’s remoted MCL sprain may very well be a best-case state of affairs,” Elbayer instructed The Submit. “The MCL has a really wealthy blood provide and excessive propensity to heal, thus the vast majority of remoted MCL sprains might be handled effectively with none surgical intervention. In instances like this, this enables the athlete to have a shorter restoration.
“That is versus an harm like an ACL tear, which has a really poor blood provide, and necessitates surgical intervention together with a chronic rehabilitation, normally retaining the athlete out for 9 to 12 months. In uncommon situations, surgical procedure could also be wanted for high-grade MCL sprains, however these are a lot much less widespread and normally related to different ligament accidents, corresponding to an ACL tear.”
“On this case, it’s probably he’ll undergo a rehab protocol to regain his movement and power, all of the whereas defending his MCL to permit it to heal correctly. By way of a timeline again, it actually is determined by the grade of the harm. With lower-grade sprains, we’ve seen athletes come again to basketball in 4 to 6 weeks. This might be a bit longer with increased grade sprains. With round three months left within the season nonetheless to go, there’s an important probability he’ll be again to assist the workforce.”
Harden took a knee to his left leg in Monday’s loss at Cleveland. He was compelled out of the sport however returned and performed by way of it.
Although the Nets had stated they’d have to attend to see if Harden had any swelling within the morning, the All-Star wasn’t listed on the harm report and is cleared to play.
DeAndre’ Bembry (again spasms) is questionable. However Durant, Nic Claxton (left hamstring tightness), Joe Harris (left ankle surgical procedure) and Paul Millsap (private causes) are all out. Claxton had been questionable for Monday’s recreation.
Rookie Kessler Edwards is coming off consecutive double-figure scoring video games for the primary time in his profession, and was 7-for-11 from deep vs. the Pelicans and Cavs. He additionally performed stable protection when matched up with middle Evan Mobley.
The Jan. 26 residence recreation towards Denver has been moved from 7:30 to an 8 p.m. begin.
