Celtics vs Nets injury update: latest news on Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Marcus Smart

Thursday night’s marquee matchup between the Celtics and Nets is missing several big names.

Brooklyn star Kevin Durant will be out to recover from a hamstring injury, and new addition Blake Griffin will sit as he continues on the ramp after being sidelined by the Pistons for an extended period. Celtics guard Marcus Smart, meanwhile, is on track to play for the first time since the end of January and is giving Boston a much-needed boost on either end of the floor.

Here is the latest news on Durant, Griffin and Smart ahead of the Celtics vs. Nets.

More: Why did Griffin sign with the Nets?

Kevin Durant Injury Update

During his Wednesday media availability, Nets coach Steve Nash told reporters that Durant is “getting better all the time.” The two-time NBA Finals MVP is scheduled to do more imaging on his left hamstring next week, and the results of those scans will give Brooklyn a better idea of ​​how Durant can rejoin the starting lineup.

“We were expecting the possibility of it for a month or whatever it might be,” Nash said. “So, who knows? Who knows what the scan says? Who knows where it takes us and how soon it’s back? I think when we scanned? [we knew] Maybe this is what we were looking for. “

Durant, according to Nash, is doing shooting drills and rhythm work, but has not yet attended full court. Asked if there was any possibility that Durant’s hamstring strain could be linked to an Akilis injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2019-20 season, Nash said the team did not believe the two “all Are related to. “

“He’s doing great right now, and we’re all feeling really positive about the direction he’s going,” Nash said. “But we just need to be very cautious because he is a very important player for us.”

Blake griffin injury update

Griffin, who recently signed with the Nets after reaching a purchase agreement with the Pistons, is listed in the Brooklyn injury report, but he turned down any concerns about his health. He is getting back into the shape of the game after a lengthy layoff, and he plans to discuss his potential first date with the Nets’ performance staff.

“I’m not injured at all” Griffin said on Wednesday. “I haven’t played in three weeks, so I think it’s smart for me like a ramp – or, really, about four weeks now. No injuries.”

The six-time All-Star last played before Griffin and the Pistons on Feb. 12, deciding that it would be best for Detroit to sit out for a six-time All-Star as conditions for potential trades or buyouts. Now Griffin focuses on chasing a championship with the “Big Three” of Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.

“There’s definitely a learning curve, but I keep saying it. Basketball is basketball at the end of the day,” said Griff. “I’m very familiar with these people, and as I said, they make the game easier for us. There will be that learning curve, but I’m just excited to be on the court with them and find out.

“We have two months before the playoffs begin, and I think it’s high time.”

Marcus smart injury update

The Celtics should have a smart back on the floor when they kick in the second half of the regular season. The 27-year-old guard missed Boston’s last 18 matches on January 30 after a calf was injured.

“Today was my first day to really get out there and play 5-on-5 and [get] Contact and push to the limit to actually see it, “Smart said on Wednesday.” It was really nice. … They cleaned me up and said that if today goes well, I’m probably going to play tomorrow, until something changes. But at the moment, I will play the game tomorrow. “

Boston coach Brad Stevens mentioned that Smart would be on a one-minute ban when he returned.

Celtics vs Nets injury report

(Current as of 1:30 pm ET on Thursday afternoon)