There's a 'high probability' Kevin Durant returns to Nets' lineup this week

Kevin Durant has not played for the Brooklyn Nets since Feb. 13. However, that could change very soon. 

Nets head coach Steve Nash said Saturday there is a "high probability" Durant returns to the lineup this week after missing more than seven weeks with a hamstring strain, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.

Durant could play as soon as Monday against the New York Knicks, Nash added. 

"I am not certain on Monday," Nash said. "I think it's an outside possibility, but I also couldn't say he's in any stretch probable for Monday. I think it's just wait and see. But it does look positive that this week sometime, there's a high probability he can return."

On Thursday, Durant said he was feeling "great" and that he is "progressing pretty well" toward returning to the court.

The Nets are 18-3 in Durant's extended absence and have since added Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge to their lineup. 

The four-time scoring champion's imminent return will mean Brooklyn can finally roll out a lineup that includes him, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. The trio has only played together seven times since Harden was traded to the Nets in January. 

Durant has been unstoppable in 19 games this season, averaging 29 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 52.4% from the field and 43.4% from deep. 

His impending return is a good sign for the Nets, who are looking to hold onto their first place spot in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn holds a half-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers.