After a rather busy Sunday in the NBA, Monday is a bit more on the quiet side. However, Kevin Durant is in action, so that alone is reason to pay attention.
2014 NBA schedule: Red-hot Thunder host Hawks
Durant will go for an 11th straight game with at least 30 points when the Hawks visit the Thunder on Monday night.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Main course: Atlanta Hawks at Oklahoma City Thunder
8 p.m. ET
Sunday Shootaround: Kevin Durant has taken over
So what will Durant do next? After sitting out a game with a minor shoulder injury, Durant returned to the lineup on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers, and he promptly recorded a triple-double. Ho hum.
Against the Hawks, Durant will attempt to score at least 30 points in an 11th consecutive game. Atlanta isn’t exactly known for their defense, so another monster game should almost be expected. Durant had 30 points and 10 rebounds in the first meeting between the two teams, a 101-92 Thunder victory on Dec. 10.
The Hawks have won three of four and will look to put an end to the Thunder's seven-game winning streak. Atlanta is coming off a dominant victory over the hapless Milwaukee Bucks, a game in which the Hawks made 13-of-26 from long range. Jeff Teague is out with an ankle injury.
Appetizer: Toronto Raptors at Brooklyn Nets
7:30 p.m. ET
The Nets are coming off an emotional win in Boston, where Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett made their triumphant returns. While Pierce and Garnett didn't play all that well in the game, Brooklyn got a strong effort from their bench to beat the Celtics, 85-79.
The Nets will be going for their fifth straight victory when they face the Raptors, who will be without leading scorer DeMar DeRozan due to an ankle injury. Terrence Ross will again be asked to step up into a larger scoring role, like he did when he scored 51 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers over the weekend.
A Brooklyn victory would move them just a half game behind Toronto in the East.
Other games (all times ET)
Phoenix Suns at Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m., NBA TV
Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m.
Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz, 9 p.m.
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