Per the Brooklyn Nets PR, several Nets players will be unable to take the floor against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
Point guard Kyrie Irving, who has been diagnosed with a significant shoulder injury, headlines the list. Joining him will be two-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant, who has already said he won’t be playing during the 2019-20 season.
In addition, big man Nic Claxton, forward Dzanan Musa and point guard Jeremiah Martin will also be absent for Nets’ first game since the All-Star Break, with all having been assigned to the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate.
For Irving, it will be the 27th game of the season that he’s missed with a right shoulder impingement. On Tuesday, it was reported that Irving would see a specialist this week after re-aggravating an injury that’s long been causing him pain.
Durant, as previously mentioned, has yet to suit up for the 2019-20 season. However, recent videos have shown Durant getting shots up and looking much like the long-range assassin he’s been known to be throughout his career. Though he’s ruled himself out for the remainder of the season, the video is still encouraging for his long-term future with the Nets, as it appears that he’ll be in prime form when the 2020-21 season rolls around.