Durant won't play Wednesday, could be nearing return

Kevin Durant probably was not going to suit up and play against the Boston Celtics in the first place, but the Oklahoma City Thunder confirmed as much on Wednesday. 

Durant may be on track for a return this weekend – the Thunder play games Friday and Sunday – but coach Scott Brooks wants his star to go through a full practice first, according to The Oklahoman's Anthony Slater.

With no practice Tuesday because of a back-to-back and the Celtics game Wednesday, the Thunder's next practice is Thursday. Including Wednesday, Durant has missed 14 straight games since undergoing a procedure to replace a screw in his surgically-repaired right foot.

The Thunder have gone 8-5 in the interim on the back of Russell Westbrook. 

However, now with power forward Serge Ibaka out for four-to-six weeks, an added urgency takes effect with the Thunder fighting for a playoff spot, and games against powers like the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets down the stretch.

Including Wednesday, Durant has missed 41 contests this season – by far a career-high. In 27 games played, he's averaging 25.4 points on 51 percent shooting, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists with a player efficiency rating of 27.7.