After missing the past three games due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols, Kevin Durant will return against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, the team announced.
Kyrie Irving, however, will miss his third game in a row for personal reasons.
The Nets have chosen not to elaborate on Irving’s absence, with coach Steve Nash saying on Friday that he has communicated with the All-Star security guard but wanted to keep those conversations private. Asked if he was satisfied with Irving’s level of communication, Nash said again that he wanted to keep that private, a feeling he carried on before the Nets faced Thunder.
“I’m going to keep all communications with Ky between the organization private,” Nash said on Sunday, “but I’m sure you’ll hear from him someday.”
Asked if he had any idea of a timeline for Irving’s return, Nash said no.
Durant, who tested positive for COVID-19 last spring and still shows antibodies in his tests, recently had close contact that forced him to sit outside with a mandatory seven-day quarantine.
Kevin is thrilled. He was devastated to have to sit outside, ”Nash said. “We all know he loves the game and he loves hooping, so he’s thrilled to be back, and of course we have a lucky coach to have him back.”
Without Durant and Irving, the Nets have split their past two games.