Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving did not play against the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night because of personal reasons.
Speaking to reporters an hour and 45 minutes before tipoff, coach Steve Nash said he “just found out” that Irving would not be playing.
“I sent him a message in the last half-hour and haven’t heard back yet,” Nash said. “But obviously thinking about him and hope that all is well. It’s a private matter.”
Forward Kevin Durant, who is in quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, was also out against the Sixers. Nash said that if Durant continues to test negative, he could be available to play in Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nets were also without guard Tyler Johnson, who has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Nash said Johnson has not tested positive for the coronavirus but is not playing while he goes through contact tracing. It is unrelated, Nash said, to Durant being out.
Forward Nic Claxton (knee tendinopathy), guard Spencer Dinwiddie (partially torn right ACL) and forward Reggie Perry (left groin soreness) were also out for Brooklyn.
