Brooklyn Nets will be without their superstar guard Kyrie Irving for this week’s three-game road trip. According to an official announcement on social media, Irving needs to “tend to a family matter” and won’t travel with the rest of the team.
Irving’s absence is another tough blow for the Nets, who are trying to catch the Philadelphia 76ers at the top of the East standings. Brooklyn is already without former MVP Kevin Durant and guard Landry Shamet, while All-Star James Harden is dealing with neck soreness and is questionable for the upcoming games.
Kyrie Irving has been exceptional for the Nets this season, averaging 28.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. The issue for the Nets, however, is that Irving wasn’t exactly reliable so far in 2020/21 and has missed a total of 12 games.
Irving first took an unexplained absence in January, being away from the team for two weeks. He also had issues with the COVID-19 protocol breach and sat out additional four games due to injuries.
Nets, who are currently the No.2 seed with a 29-14 record, will open the road trip against Portland Trail Blazers before visiting Western Conference leaders Utah Jazz. They end their journey in Detroit against the Pistons.
