NEW ORLEANS — The Nets’ backcourt is getting closer to being whole, with Lonnie Walker IV on the brink of returning and Ben Simmons taking a huge step forward in his rehab, according to sources.

Multiple sources told The Post that Simmons is “progressing well” in his recovery from a nerve impingement in his left lower back.

Both said that the point guard is expected to be cleared to go two-on-two when the Nets return home from this four-game road swing.

They played Tuesday at New Orleans and will end the trip Wednesday at Houston, returning home with an off-day Thursday.

Simmons has been limited to just six games this season, none since Nov. 6.

But he was averaging 10.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 6.5 points when he went down, and the Nets can desperately use his size, defense and playmaking.

The next steps in his progression would be three-on-three, and full five-on-five against players.

Meanwhile, Walker could return as soon as Friday at home against Oklahoma City.

Tueday’s 112-85 loss to the Pelicans tilt was the 16th straight game he had missed with a left hamstring strain, and he’s expected to sit out the tail end of the back-to-back Wednesday at Houston as well, but the Nets could have their sixth man back after that.

“Yeah, Lonnie’s doing good,” said coach Jacque Vaughn. “He got a workout in [Tuesday] and he will not play [Wednesday]. But there’s some good signs pointing towards him playing when we get back home.

“He will ride back on the plane with us. And then we’ll check him out when we get home. Hopefully he makes it back on the plane OK. And then, there’s a good chance or signs of pointing in directions of him playing on [Friday].”

Walker is averaging 14.6 points on .489/.463/.763 shooting splits in 17 games this season, putting himself in early Sixth Man of the Year conversations before going down.

Only two reserves in franchise history have ever posted a higher scoring average (playing half of the Nets’ games off the bench): Spencer Dinwiddie’s 17.1 in 2018-19, and Darryl Dawkins’ 15.4 in 1985-86.

It bears watching how Walker’s impending return impacts Cam Thomas.

The Nets’ leading scorer, Thomas was moved out of the starting lineup in favor of forward Dorian Finney-Smith because Brooklyn was in desperate need of size on that first unit.

Thomas provides scoring punch off the bench, but with Walker bringing much of the same — and being taller and longer — the minutes distribution may be interesting.