The Brooklyn Nets have been full of positive news this week. On Tuesday, they announced that Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge all cleared COVID-19 protocols. According to Steve Nash, KD and Aldridge will play Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Nets reporter Kristian Winfield tweeted the news Wednesday afternoon.

Both players returning is a huge boost for the Nets, but especially Durant. He hasn't played since December 16 against the 76ers, so it's only right that he returns in the Eastern Conference rematch.

Fortunately for the Nets, they haven't had to play too many games without KD. They went 2-1 their last three games, only half of their scheduled games in his nearly two weeks absence. The Nets' other three games were postponed due to COVID-19.

In order to maintain their dominance in the Eastern Conference, the Nets need Durant to come up big Thursday night. The 76ers are sixth in the conference, but have had a lot of momentum recently. Big man Joel Embiid dominated the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, putting up 36 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Despite missing games, Durant is Brooklyn's top point producer this season. He averages 29.7 points per game, along with 5.9 assists and 7.9 rebounds. With KD returning Thursday and Irving preparing to make his season debut, the Nets are looking better and better.