NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets will be without both superstars for their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night after starting point guard Kyrie Irving was ruled out of the game about an hour before tip-off.
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The Nets revealed that Irving will not play because of personal reasons, which means their two highlighted players will be missing for the home fixture.
Champion forward Kevin Durant had already been ruled out because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols after he came in contact with someone who had COVID-19.
Durant is slated to be out for seven days and coach Steve Nash said the two-time NBA champion could return Sunday if he continues to test negative for the coronavirus.
Durant is fourth in the league in scoring with 28.2 points per game, with 7.0 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Irving is averaging 27.1 points, which is sixth in the NBA this season. He is also contributing 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game from seven games for the Nets (4-4).
The former NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers was added to the injury report Thursday afternoon, but head coach Steve Nash said it was a personal matter.
Nash, though, says he hadn’t spoken to Irving so didn’t know the real reason for his absence.
Meanwhile, shooting guard Seth Curry is sitting out for the Philadelphia 76ers because of left ankle soreness.
