NBA: Durant set to return on Saturday

Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a score from teammate Kevin Durant during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, in Oakland, California. AP

OAKLAND, United States — Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant is expected to return to action this weekend following a six-week injury layoff, the NBA team confirmed on Thursday.

A statement from the Warriors said Durant, who suffered a knee sprain and bone bruise in a game against the Washington Wizards on February 28, was fit to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.

READ: NBA: Warriors could have Durant back at weekend

“Following multiple workout sessions in recent days … forward Kevin Durant has been cleared by the team’s medical and athletic training staffs to return to full-team practices,” the statement said.

“If he does not suffer any setbacks following tomorrow’s practice, it is anticipated that Durant will play in Saturday’s game against New Orleans.”

Durant, 28, who joined the Warriors from the Oklahoma City Thunder last year, suffered his injury after a collision with team-mate Zaza Pachulia in February.

The Warriors initially struggled in Durant’s absence, suffering four defeats in six games.

However the 2015 NBA Finals champions have since gone on an impressive run, with 13 straight victories, to seal their place as Western Conference top seeds for a third straight year. CBB