Durant takes part in Thunder practice, including contact drills

Help could soon be on the way for the fading Oklahoma City Thunder.

Reigning MVP Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined since preseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot, took park in the team's practice Monday. After only taking part in non-contact portions of Saturday's practice, head coach Scott Brooks told reporters Durant did some contact drills Monday.

Durant is expected to be re-evaluated some time this week.

The Thunder are off to a Western Conference-worst 3-12 start, as they have dealt with injuries to Durant, Russell Westbrook, Reggie Jackson, Perry Jones, Jeremy Lamb, and rookie big man Andre Roberson.

Westbrook, who suffered a broken right hand in the second game of the season, could return as early as Friday night against the New York Knicks.