Brooklyn Nets ace Kevin Durant was imposed to a week-long quarantine after being in contact a positive case. As a result, the former NBA Finals MVP was expected to miss four games for his side. Ahead of their game against table-toppers Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Steve Nash revealed that the player could be back for their clash against Oklahoma City Thunder as long as he keeps testing negative for the virus.
While Durant already contracted the disease last year and tested negative following the recent contact, the league still requires the individual to quarantine irrespective of those factors.
Nets could have their stalwart back a little earlier than expected as long as he keeps testing negative. He is expected to be back for Nets’ fixture against his former team Oklahoma City Thunder.
Initially, he was slated to miss the team’s matches against Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder. The side safely negotiated their first bout without the services of the 32-year-old by a thumping 34-point victory over Jazz.
Ahead of their steep challenge against Doc Rivers’ 76ers, who have only lost once so far, Steve Nash outlined in a Zoom call with reporters that there is an outside chance that Durant can make it to the Barclays Center to face his former side.
“I think Kevin’s situation is that if he continues to test negative, he can play Sunday. That’s all I have on that. Can’t wait for Sunday to come.”
Apart from Durant, Nets to be without Irving as well against 76ers
While the Nets successfully negotiated their first outing without Durant, they will have to do without another one of their star players for their next match.
In the Zoom call, Nash also revealed that they would be without Kyrie Irving, who opted out of the clash owing to personal reasons.
To top the absence of the two stalwarts, they also face an injury issue with Spencer Dinwiddie ruled out of the season after sustaining a torn ACL.
Durant and Irving have been instrumental for the Eastern Conference side by averaging a combined 55.2 points per game.
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