Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant has been cleared to participate in full-team practices and is expected to return to the lineup for Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans, the team announced.
Durant has participated in multiple workout sessions over the past few days and has been cleared by the team’s medical and athletic training staffs, the Warriors announced Thursday.
The team said that if Durant exits Friday’s practice without issue, he will play in Saturday’s game at Oracle Arena.
Durant has been sidelined 19 games after suffering a Grade 2 left MCL sprain and tibial bone bruise against the Washington Wizards on Feb. 28.
Golden State (65-14) barely has skipped a beat in his absence, clinching the top seed in the Western Conference and best record in the NBA.
Durant is averaging 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the first season of a two-year deal worth $54.3 million with the Warriors. The 28-year-old former NBA MVP has a player option to opt out after this season.
The Washington native earned his eighth All-Star nod in 2017.