The Boston Celtics will be hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday in one of the most anticipated games of the season. However, it was announced that All-Star guard and former Celtic Kyrie Irving won't play because of a shoulder injury.
Jaylen Brown was really looking forward to going up against Irving.
Jaylen Brown on missing Kyrie: “It would have been great to face a former teammate…we will catch him next time.”
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) November 26, 2019
Irving chose to leave the Celtics after a tumultuous 2018-19 season with the team. He reportedly didn't get along with the team's young players and his leadership was severely criticized especially after Boston lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the playoffs.
With Irving gone, the Celtics have undoubtedly become a better team. They are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 12-4 record, while the Nets are slowly climbing up the standings after winning four straight games. They are now 9-8.
After the game on Wednesday, both teams will meet again on Friday in Brooklyn — although it is unclear if Irving will be available to play for Brooklyn in that game.
With or without Irving, expect the Celtics to give their 100 percent against the Nets, as the young core of Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Marcus Smart would like to send a message that they've become a better team after Kyrie left. Moreover, another All-Star point guard would like to prove that he can be the leader of a championship-contending team, and that's Kemba Walker.
But the Nets also have a young core of their own. Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen are expected to step up in Irving's absence. And they will be motivated to take down one of the best teams in the East.
