The Brooklyn Nets are set to face the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center Thursday night. The Nets have been without star Kevin Durant for two games now as he rehabs from a sprained MCL. So that makes this next question all the more vital: Is Kyrie Irving playing vs Spurs?
Is Kyrie Irving playing vs Spurs?
By now you know the background to this story. Irving is not vaccinated for COVID-19. And because of that he is not eligible to play home games in Brooklyn. The team originally decided they did not want him back in any capacity as a part-time player. But once they dealt with a record ten players in health and safety protocols, and various injuries, they decided they couldn't do without him any longer. He returned two weeks ago.
Kevin Durant is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. And knowing this team, they might opt to be even more conservative with that timeline than we're being told. KD is the franchise and you don't push him back too soon.
James Harden should be available vs. the Spurs. Harden did take a knee to the thigh in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. And he did bang heads with Bradley Beal in the recent win vs. the Wizards on Wednesday. But he's a gamer and figures to be out there, even if he's not feeling 100 percent.
On Wednesday, Irving finished with 30 points, his high mark of this young season. As mentioned, it's been over two weeks since his debut, a win in Indiana. The team is 3-2 when he's out there and 2-0 when they have their Big 3. But fielding all three has been nearly impossible for the Nets over the last calendar year.
“A loaded question man, yeah it’s a lot to process,” said Irving on Monday, when asked to think about the challenges that have thus far prevented the Big 3 from playing together more. “What we intended to be and what we still intend to be but all these hiccups and uncontrollable things. In the playoffs last year James goes out and then I’m going up for a shot and Giannis comes over and his foot just happens to be in the way.”
That last line about Giannis has some wondering if Kyrie was calling the reigning NBA Finals MVP dirty.
“And then this year coming into the season this situation that I’m in,” continued Irving, following a loss to the Cavs, “and then now were dealing with Kev being out and I just think it’s one of those things that real life takes precedent over this game so much and when you’re out there anything can happen and part of being part of the team is just taking that collective responsibly once it hits and just dealing with it.”
Coach Nash was asked to sum up Irving's return to the team at the two week mark. “Is that it? Two weeks!?” joked Nash, remarking on how it's felt like more time given all of the media attention his return has generated, and all that's happened since including Durant's injury.
“Yeah, it's great. I mean what a pleasure to coach and have him on our team for the road games. He's obviously such an electric player,” gushed Nash. “Such a talent, you know to add him to our team makes us better. He's a pretty easy guy to try to fit….he's been a great add and obviously having him on the road has been a big plus for us and tonight he was brilliant and a big part of why we won.”
So since the game is not in Brooklyn, and Irving isn't injured, we would guess that he's playing. But the team has also talked at length about not wanting to push Irving too much in his return to action. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, it wouldn't be the first time the team load managed a healthy superstar. For now, even though it’s fluid for the Nets' superstar, the question is answered. Is Kyrie Irving playing vs. Spurs? Yes.
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