Kevin Durant is getting closer to another return, but Russell Westbrook and co. will have to continue holding down the fort for now.
On the positive side, Durant looked good in a Monday workout after being re-evaluated, Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks told reporters.
The bad news is that Brooks still expects Durant to miss another week or two as he recovers from a surgical procedure on his foot.
Durant had a screw in his surgically repaired right foot replaced on Feb. 22 after the original screw - inserted during preseason surgery to address a Jones fracture - was causing him discomfort.
Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers will mark the 10th straight the reigning MVP has missed, and the 37th overall due to foot and ankle injuries. Durant is averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists on a phenomenal shooting split of 51-40-85 in the 27 games he has suited up for.
The Thunder enter Wednesday mere percentage points ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans in the hunt for the Western Conference's eighth and final playoff spot.
Westbrook has emerged as an MVP candidate in Durant's absence, averaging a league-leading 27.4 points, 8.3 assists, 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals in a breathtaking career year. The All-Star MVP has recorded a triple-double in five of his last six games and scored at least 30 points in five straight.
