Brooklyn Nets goalie Kyrie Irving did not play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night for personal reasons.
Speaking to reporters an hour and 45 minutes before the tipoff, coach Steve Nash said he “just found out” that Irving would not play.
“I sent him a message in the last half hour and I still haven’t heard back,” Nash said. “But obviously I’m thinking about it and I hope everything is fine. It’s a private matter.”
Kevin Durant, in quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, was also against Sixers. Nash said that if Durant continues to show negativity, 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 protocols. Nash said Johnson did not test positive for the coronavirus, but did not play while following contacts. It has nothing to do, Nash said, with Durant coming out.
Nic Claxton (knee tendinopathy), Spencer Dinwiddie (partially torn right ACL) and Reggie Perry (left groin pain) were also in Brooklyn.