Report: Kyrie expected to return Sunday

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving is expected to return from suspension Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Irving missed the Nets' last seven contests and will sit out Thursday's meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers, bringing the total length of the suspension to eight games.

The team originally suspended the guard on Nov. 3 for a minimum of five games after his failure to disavow antisemitism. Irving shared a link to a movie on Twitter that contained antisemitic tropes on Oct. 27.

Irving has met with Jewish community leaders as he works to fulfill the Nets' reported list of requirements to rejoin the team, according to Charania, who adds the NBA and Nets are happy with Irving's efforts.

Adam Silver reportedly had a productive meeting with Irving on Nov. 8, a few days after the NBA commissioner called Irving's decision to share the link "reckless."

The suspended star also met last week with Nets owner Joe Tsai, who later expressed he doesn't believe Irving is antisemitic and said all involved parties were "working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing, and education."

Irving's expected return date is nearly three weeks after his most recent appearance on Nov. 1 against the Chicago Bulls.