Will Kevin Durant Play Tonight? Nets vs Grizzlies Injury Updates, Expected Lineups & Game Prediction

After a remarkable start to the 2020-21 NBA season, the Brooklyn Nets lost their first game of the season. They battled until the very last second against the Hornets, but were defeated by just 2 points. Next, they will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies in Brooklyn at 7:30 PM ET.

The two sides have contrasting goals this season. While the Grizzlies want to make it to the Playoffs, the Nets have their eyes on the glorious Larry O’Brien trophy. Let’s have a look at the two sides’ expected lineups and injury updates prior to this Monday night clash.

Brooklyn Nets injury updates and predicted lineup

In their Sunday night defeat against the Hornets, the Nets lost a key member of their squad. Their guard Spencer Dinwiddie partially tore his ACL in his right knee.

Although there is no official word on when he might return, an ACL tear is a serious injury and he will be sidelined for months to come or maybe the whole season.

Apart from Dinwiddie, Kevin Durant will also be sitting out the next game. The Nets are probably resting him as he is coming from a serious injury, and any extra minutes might re-aggravate the injury.

So the expected lineup for Nets is Kyrie Irving (G), Caris LeVert (G), Joe Harris (F), Jeff Green (F), and DeAndre Jordan (C).

Memphis Grizzlies injury updates and predicted lineup

The Grizzlies have handed the keys of the franchise to 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant. Morant is expected to take a huge sophomore leap this year and lead the Grizzlies for seasons to come.

But can Morant take on this huge responsibility at such a young age? We will have the answer to that question pretty soon.

As of now, the Grizzlies are dealing with several injury issues prior to their game was the Nets. Jontay Porter, Killian Tillie, Xavier Tillman, and De’Anthony Melton are all listed out of lineup for the Monday night battle.

So the expected lineup for the Grizzlies is Ja Morant (G), Grayson Allen (G), Dillon Brooks (F), Kyle Anderson (F), and Jonas Valanciunas (C).

Game prediction

With Kevin Durant resting in this game, the Grizzlies might have a chance to pull off an upset. It all comes down to the battle between Kyrie and Ja, that will be the game decider. But the Nets do have a slight edge over the Grizzlies.