Durant Returns as Suns Face Grizzlies After 3-Game Absence

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Kevin Durant is set to make his return to the Phoenix Suns lineup on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies after missing three games due to a left ankle sprain. This matchup at Footprint Center marks a significant moment for the team, which has struggled in his absence, managing just one win in three games.

Despite Durant’s return, the Suns will still be without Bradley Beal, who is sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a left toe sprain. Recent trade acquisition Cody Martin remains out while recovering from a sports hernia, and Grayson Allen is listed as probable due to left knee soreness. Additionally, guard Vasilije Micić, acquired alongside Martin, is questionable for his Suns debut due to a left ankle sprain.

Coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed that the Suns went 1-2 without their star player, suffering losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, with their only victory coming against the Utah Jazz, thanks in large part to a 47-point effort from Devin Booker. “It’s tough when you are without key players, but we have to keep fighting,” Budenholzer said. The Suns currently hold a 26-26 record, placing them in a tie for the ninth to eleventh seeds in the Western Conference.

This game will also be Durant’s first appearance since the NBA trade deadline, when there was speculation about him reuniting with the Golden State Warriors. Ultimately, that trade did not materialize. “I never wanted to move teams,” Durant expressed. “There’s a lot of attention on me now, which can be frustrating, but it’s part of the business.”

On the other side, the Grizzlies enter the matchup sitting comfortably in second place in the Western Conference with a record of 35-17. They are coming off a loss to the Thunder but had previously won four straight games. Memphis will be without Marvin Bagley, who is sidelined with a right ankle sprain, and Cam Spencer, who is recovering from left thumb surgery.

Despite the losses, the Grizzlies look to be a formidable opponent, with standout players like All-Star Ja Morant and rookie Zach Edey available for Tuesday’s game. Morant, along with forwards Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke, missed the earlier matchup when the Grizzlies defeated the Suns, 117-112, on December 31.

As Phoenix aims to regain momentum, officials encourage fans to follow live updates and statistics during the game via the Arizona Sports app, with the tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. MST. Both teams are eager for a critical victory as they head into the second half of the season.