Warriors' Kevin Durant expected to return from MCL sprain on Saturday

Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant has been cleared by the team’s medical staff to return to full-team practices and, barring any setbacks, is expected to return for Saturday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena, the Warriors announced Thursday.

Durant, who on Feb. 28 suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, as well as a tibial bone bruise, has missed Golden State’s last 19 games. He took part in multiple workout sessions in recent days – including two-on-two, three-on-three and four-on-four scrimmages.

The Warriors, who are riding a 13-game winning streak, have gone 15-4 in his absence. On Wednesday night against the Phoenix Suns, they locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the third year in a row.

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Durant, the 2013-14 MVP who joined Golden State over the summer, is averaging 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 59 games this season and was one of the league’s leading MVP candidates before going down. Reigning back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry has upped his game with Durant sidelined, averaging 26.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.3 three-pointers.

The Warriors (65-14) have two games left in the regular season after Saturday – Monday vs. the Utah Jazz and Wednesday vs. the Los Angeles Lakers. If the standings remain the same, the Warriors will face the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round, which begins on Saturday, April 15.