Kevin Durant misses shootaround, still game-time call Tuesday

Context clues are pointing to Kevin Durant sitting out a third consecutive game with a right ankle sprain on Tuesday.

That doesn't mean he can be ruled out entirely, but Durant's absence from the team's shootaround suggests he remains unlikely to play. He's officially a game-time decision for the Oklahoma City Thunder's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Just a few weeks ago, even a three-game absence for Durant would have seemed a disaster scenario for the Thunder, who had little margin for error after missing Durant and Russell Westbrook for the first month of the season. 

The team has gotten red hot since both stars returned, pushing their record to 13-15. They're now a game-and-a-half out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, and it seems a certainty rather than a long-shot that - barring any major injuries - the Thunder will be in the postseason. That affords the team the opportunity to be a little more patient with Durant's ankle, even if it means playing a fellow West contender shorthanded.

In nine games, Durant is averaging 22.4 points, five rebounds and 3.6 assists, shooting 53 percent from the floor and 40.5 percent from long range. He's been very, very good, as has Westbrook.

Perry Jones would stand to start if Durant sits once again.