Hope is rising in Oklahoma City that the Thunder, who have struggled to a 5-12 record with one or both of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant missing from all of their 17 games this season, will be at full strength Tuesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Westbrook returned to action last Friday when the Thunder faced the New York Knicks and exploded on them for 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in just 23:48 of action. Durant has missed the entire season after breaking a bone in his foot during the preseason, but got through an entire practice on Saturday without issue.
Of course, Durant making it through practice without incident is encouraging news, but Thunder coach Scott Brooks was careful to remind fans that the team doesn't know when the reigning MVP will suit up again.
"Kevin continues to progress well," Brooks said Saturday. "Thought he had a really good day and will continue to build on that."
When asked when Durant would be ready to come back Brooks said "Don't know. Don't know. We just want to continue to put up good days on top of each other. We'll let you know at the appropriate time."
Durant has won the scoring title in four of the last five seasons (second to Carmelo Anthony in 2012-13), and took home the MVP award last season. His stellar MVP campaign saw him average a career-best 32 points and 5.5 assists along with 7.4 rebounds and a 50 percent mark from the field.
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