Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant, sidelined since October after surgery to repair a broken right foot, was cleared to make his NBA season debut Tuesday at New Orleans.
Last season's NBA Most Valuable Player suffered a broken bone at the base of the small toe during a pre-season exhibition game and in his absence the Thunder have struggled to a 5-12 start.
Adding to Oklahoma City's woes was the injury absence of blackcourt star Russell Westbrook, who only returned to the Thunder lineup last Friday.
Durant, the reigning NBA scoring champion, took his first career MVP award last season by averaging 32 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game.
He became only the fourth player in NBA history to win four scoring titles in five years, joining Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and George Gervin.
The Thunder have won two games in a row after a six-game losing streak.
Durant can hope his return is as successful as that of Westbrook, who returned after a sore hand with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in a 105-78 triumph over New York.
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