Kevin Durant diagnosed with sprained MCL, but Nets don't announce when he'll return

The Brooklyn Nets announced on Sunday morning that after leaving Saturday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Kevin Durant will miss time with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

"Following an MRI this morning, Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a sprained medial collateral of the left knee," the Nets said in a statement. "The injury occurred during the second quarter of Saturday's game vs. New Orleans. Durant is expected to return to full strength following a period of rehabilitation. Updates regarding his return will be provided as appropriate."

There are a few key pieces of information missing from that announcement. First is the severity of Durant's sprain. A Grade 1 sprain takes a lot less time to heal than a Grade 3 sprain. And related to that, the Nets declined to give even a rough timetable for Durant's return. We have no idea how long the Nets will have to play without him. Presumably they could give an update in a few days, but for now, we've got nothing.

The Nets just played Game 42, passing the halfway point of their season, and they're currently sitting in second place in the East. There's still plenty of time left to make up for any downturns that might happen with Durant out of commission, but it's a tight race right now. Just 2.5 games separate the first place Chicago Bulls and the sixth place Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nets are a strong team, but even a small period of difficulty could knock them down to play-in tournament territory.