After initially diagnosing it as a hyperextended left knee, the Golden State Warriors announced that Kevin Durant suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) and a tibial bone bruise in his left knee that would keep him out at least four weeks. But while that is better news than what was feared, the actual recovery from the injury could play a significant role in the Warriors’ championship hopes.

The Mercury News got in touch with sports medicine surgeon and president of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Maryland Dr. Nick Grosso to ask about the specifics of the injury suffered by Kevin Durant. The Golden State Warriors All-Star forward has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and a tibial bone bruise. According to Grosso, while a Grade 2 sprain could heal itself and be back to normal in two to three weeks, the bigger concern is Durant’s bone bruise.

As pointed out by Grosso, a bone bruise, which could take longer to heal, can also be very painful. “You don’t want to put any stress on a compromised bone because it can get worse and keep coming back and eventually turn into a real fracture,” Grosso told The Mercury News. That explains why Kevin Durant was photographed being wheel chaired as he arrived in Oakland. According to Grosso, Durant’s bone bruise, while having the ability to heal itself, can take up to six weeks. “Even saying four or five weeks may be a bit too optimistic,” he added.

So while Kevin Durant may be back in a Golden State Warriors jersey in the playoffs, his form, which has led to season averages of 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, will be compromised coming back from injury. As noted by Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, Durant’s availability and excellence for a what could be a two-month playoff push is something the Golden State Warriors are “hoping for, not banking on.”

Related