Nets' Kevin Durant: Out 4-to-6 weeks with MCL sprain

Durant was diagnosed with an MCL sprain of his left knee after undergoing an MRI on Sunday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports. The Nets are optimistic Durant will be ready to play after a 4-to-6-week rehab program.

Durant suffered the injury early in Saturday's game against the Pelicans, and though he was initially hopeful that he would avoid an extended absence, the MRI revealed a bleaker prognosis for the star forward. The Nets are set to return from the All-Star break Feb. 24 against the Celtics, and the team is unlikely to rush him back before the end of the first half. Kessler Edwards and DeAndre' Bembry could serve as the Nets' starting forwards in the short term while Durant is out, though Joe Harris could eventually displace one of the two once he makes a full recovery from ankle surgery.