Kevin Durant set to return for Nets vs. Warriors following COVID contact tracing protocols

Kevin Durant will return to the Nets' lineup when they face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.

Durant has been out since the middle of last Friday's game vs. the Toronto Raptors, when the NBA had him taken out of the game due to COVID-19 contact tracing protocols. The Nets would up falling to the Raptors 123-117.

"It was just an unfortunate situation, I was looking forward to that game," Durant told reporters over Zoom on Friday. "...It is what it is. I was a little upset during and after the game, but I'm cool now, I'm ready to play.

"I'm excited to be back out there with the guys."

The Nets have gone 1-2 since he went out, suffering double digit losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons before beating the Indiana Pacers by 10 on Wednesday.

Saturday will be mark the first time Durant faces the Warriors at Golden State since leaving the organization in 2019.

"I had some great years in Golden State, looking forward to being back in the Bay area, but it's a shame the fans won't be there," Durant said.

When asked about the NBA having an All-Star game this year, Durant was indifferent about their decision.

"It is what it is. We have no control over it," Durant said. "I ain't care either way."