Durant to take part in non-contact practice; will be re-evaluated next week

Oklahoma City Thunder fans need some cheering up right now, and this should help.

Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined for weeks following preseason surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his right foot, will take part in non-contact portions of the team's practice on Saturday, head coach Scott Brooks said.

Even better, Durant won't be alone in returning to portions of that practice, as Brooks also said Russell Westbrook will take part.

Westbrook has been out since suffering a right hand fracture in an opening week game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both players will be re-evaluated next week, according to Brooks.

The Thunder need the reigning MVP and Westbrook back as soon as possible in the unforgiving Western Conference, where they currently sit dead last with a 3-10 record.

Last season, it took 49 wins just to make the playoffs in the West.