Brooklyn Nets‘ Kyrie Irving will not be a part of the squad for the next three games due to a family matter. The franchise are already without Kevin Durant, who is still out with a hamstring strain.
As a result of Irving’s absence, the Nets will have to play Portland Trail Blazers, leaders Utah Jazz and bottom-placed Detroit Pistons on the road, without him.
Kyrie Irving will not accompany the team on this week’s three-game road trip (POR/UTA/DET) in order to tend to a family matter.
This marks the second instance where Irving has been absent from the team for a prolonged period of time. Earlier in the season, he was out for two weeks due to personal reasons which got extended after he flouted the league’s safety norms.
Irving has been a vital cog in the well-oiled machinery that is the Nets. He is averaging 28.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists this season in 31 matches out of a possible 43 so far, and has built quite a formidable trio alongside James Harden and Kevin Durant.
While they all have started together only seven times, the side look menacing even when two of them take the court together.
Nets’ plan of action without Irving
With Irving’s absence, the responsibility shoulders down to Harden and Shamet as the Nets continue to tail the 76ers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, both of those players are in doubt for the upcoming fixtures. Harden is reportedly out with neck soreness while Shamet suffered an ankle sprain.
Steve Nash had earlier outlined that he is concerned with Harden’s current workload.
“I am concerned about the minutes, yes. I’m not sure what the answer is though.”
The Nets also have their latest acquisition, Blake Griffin, in their arsenal as well. James Harden commented on the attibutes he brings into the side.
“Blake is going to be very key for us, just because he’s versatile, he creates mismatch problems and he’s a very good passer, Once we find sets that can incorporate him and that he can look for consistently and he can be prepared for, then we’ll be that much better.” Harden said
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