Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving did not play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night for personal reasons.
Coach Steve Nash told reporters an hour and 45 minutes before hitting that he “just found out” that Irving would not play.
“I sent him a message for the past half hour and haven’t heard from him yet,” Nash said. ‘But of course think of him and hope that all is well. This is a private matter. ‘
Kevin Durant, who is in quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, was also against the Sixers. Nash said if Durant stays negative, he could be available to play Sunday in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nets were also without Tyler Johnson, who was placed in the league’s health and safety records. Nash said Johnson did not test positive for the coronavirus but did not play while undergoing contact detection. It’s not related, Nash said Durant is out.
Nic Claxton (knee tendinopathy), Spencer Dinwiddie (partially torn right ACL) and Reggie Perry (sore left groin) were also on their way to Brooklyn.