Thunder announce Kevin Durant will play vs Suns (Update)

Update: The Thunder have confirmed that Durant will play:

Scott Brooks says Kevin Durant will play tonight against Phoenix.

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) December 31, 2014

It is reported that his minute watch will remain consistent so far this season:

Brooks says KD's minutes will be in the mid-30s.

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) December 31, 2014

Kevin Durant, who has missed 6 consecutive games after sustaining a right ankle sprain against the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 18th, is expected to return to action tonight vs the Phoenix Suns.

According to Marc Stein, the Thunder are preparing for him to play tonight:

Sources told ESP‎N.com that the Thunder have been operating under the premise that Durant would re-enter the lineup against the Suns after the club responded to the Dec. 18 sprain he suffered in his surgically repaired foot by taking it slowly.

Thunder coach Scotty Brooks is expected to formally announce Durant's return to the starting five after Wednesday's morning shootaround barring an unforeseen setback. Durant completed his first two full-speed practices since the injury Monday and Tuesday.

Durant returned to practice on Monday and engaged in a full practice on his second day. According to Scott Brooks, Durant is close to full health:

"He was very lively and active on both ends of the floor. He's progressing well."

Here is what Anthony Morrow and Kendrick Perkins said on how Durant looked in practice"

Kendrick Perkins on KD in practice today: "On the White team, he scored 13 of their 17 points in about 5 minutes. So he looked real good."

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 29, 2014

Kevin Durant practiced for the second straight day. "Rhythm looks good," Anthony Morrow said.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 30, 2014

Durant had missed the first 17 games of the season after sustaining a jones fracture prior to the season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are now hanging in the 10^th seed of the Western Conference with a 15-17 record. They trail the Phoenix Suns, who are in the 8^th seed, by 2.5 games.