The Phoenix Suns were getting back on track when Kevin Durant got hurt again.
The New Orleans Pelicans are starting to get injured players back, though star Zion Williamson had a setback, but they still aren’t on track.
Both teams keep trying to work around injuries as they prepare to meet Thursday night in New Orleans.
The Suns have won three out of four after a five-game losing streak. They are visiting a Pelicans team that has lost nine straight games and has the worst record in the Western Conference.
Phoenix defeated visiting San Antonio 104-93 on Tuesday night but lost Durant to a sprained left ankle in the second quarter. He is expected to be sidelined for at least a week.
The Suns started the season 8-1 before Durant sustained a left calf strain, but they went 1-6 while he was sidelined.
“Obviously tough,” guard Devin Booker said of losing Durant. “It’s impossible to replace what he brings to our team, even just his presence around the team, not even having him on the bench in the second half was tough.
“But we still fought, they came out, punched us in the face to start the half. We just stuck with it, weathered the storm, and it was a growth moment for us.”
Booker scored 29 points against the Spurs and surpassed 15,000 for his career. Phoenix went 3-1 in the NBA Cup but didn’t get the help it needed to advance out of group play.
“All teams at some point through the season have to deal with (injuries),” Booker said. “I think it’s a special time for more opportunity for other people to get a chance because you never know what’s going to happen later in the season or even the playoffs, to where you just have to figure it out.”
The Pelicans have won just two of their past 20 games while numerous key players have been injured. Their projected starting five have not played together this season, but New Orleans is starting to get some players back.
Guards Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum have started the last three games together, the only times that has happened since opening night.
“It’s going to take a little time for everyone to get acclimated,” coach Willie Green said. “They’re still learning each other’s game.”
Murray, who had surgery to repair a fractured (non-shooting) wrist, has shot just 27.3 percent from the floor and 24 percent on 3-pointers since returning four games ago, but he has averaged 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.8 steals.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Green said of Murray, “and he’ll continue to find his rhythm.”
Forward Herbert Jones, the team’s top perimeter defender, and leading scorer Brandon Ingram could return as soon as Thursday, though Williamson’s return isn’t coming any time soon. Williamson will miss at least two more weeks with a left hamstring injury.
“We’re getting used to each other,” McCollum said. “It takes time. We’ve got to speed up our learning curve and continue to get better and continue to give ourselves chances to win games.
“The worst part of the season is behind us. Guys are starting to slowly come back. We’ll be able to give ourselves a chance with a full, healthy roster soon.”
