Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks hinted that Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons are unlikely to play when NBA action returns on Thursday, but he is not closing the door on the two returning sooner rather than later.

According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, in a recent meeting with season ticket holders, Marks seemed to indicate that Durant and Simmons are not expected to play “in the next three to four days.” This means that they will be unable to make it in time against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.

However, Marks also dropped some encouraging news, suggesting that things could change depending on how the two and their bodies respond after practice.

The Nets need Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons if they want to compete for the championship, but that also means they can't afford to rush them back–especially Durant who is nursing an MCL sprain in his left knee.

Meanwhile, Simmons certainly needs time to get himself to playing condition after refusing to play for the Sixers until he gets traded. He last suit up in an official NBA game in the playoffs, so it's not surprising why Brooklyn is being cautious.

If the two are able to get back to 100 percent health, there is no doubt they will be major threats in the East. Sean Marks himself has said that their goal remains the same: win the Larry O'Brien trophy. With that said, it should be more than enough to motivate the rest of the team to step up night in and night out.

Brooklyn is currently eighth in the East standings, but they were once the top seed before all the injuries and offcourt issues hit them.