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On Thursday night, Kyrie Irving will miss his eighth-straight game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The contest is expected to be his last game away from the team. 

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Nets are expected to reinstate Kyrie Irving from his team suspension and play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday at Barclays Center. 

In the report, Charania notes that both sides are content about the imminent Sunday return of the suspended superstar guard due to what he accomplished in his reinstatement process - a multi-step process that required the guard to meet with community leaders. 

"Sources close to the Nets and the league say that both sides are happy with what Irving has done throughout the process, especially given the number of community leaders he has met with.

"One source, who was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, said that Irving chose to go "above and beyond" what was asked of him." 

The news marks the first time there has been some clarity on Irving's return from the team-issued suspension. Since Irving was handed the at least five-game suspension back on November 3, the Nets kept updates close to their chest. Only a handful of players disclosed they have spoken to the suspended guard frequently and were hopeful Irving would return to the lineup soon in order to build continuity and cohesion. 

"I haven't talked to him since we’ve been on the road trip about it, the last couple of days. But we’re looking forward to his return to the team. Definitely gonna give us a much needed spark," Kevin Durant told reporters in Portland Thursday morning. 

When asked about some of what has been going on, Durant admitted that he had not heard many details, and instead has been focused on basketball.

"I don't know the details about anything that's going. I should know I guess because I'm part of the team, but I've been totally focused on the road trip. Once we get back home I’m sure that stuff will figure itself out. But hopefully it’s soon," Durant said.