After losing the last three games because of NBA health and safety protocols, Kevin Durant is expected to return on Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team announced.
Kyrie Irving, however, will lose his third game followed for personal reasons.
The Nets chose not to go into details about Irving’s absence, with coach Steve Nash saying on Friday that he had communicated with the All-Star guard, but wanted to keep these conversations private. Asked if he was satisfied with Irving’s level of communication, Nash again said he wanted to keep it private, a feeling he continued before the Nets faced Thunder.
“I will maintain all communication with Ky between the organization,” Nash said on Sunday, “but I am sure you will hear from him at some point.”
Asked if he had any idea of a timetable for Irving’s return, Nash said no.
Durant, who tested positive for COVID-19 last spring and is still showing antibodies in his tests, recently had close contact exposure that forced him to stay out with a mandatory seven-day quarantine.
“Kevin is excited. He was devastated to be left out,” said Nash. “We all know that he loves the game and loves to arm, so he is excited to be back and obviously we have a coach happy to have him back.”
Without Durant and Irving, the Nets shared the last two games.