X

Report: Nets Preparing for Kyrie Irving to Miss Rest of Bucks Series with Injury

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVJune 15, 2021

MILWAUKEE, WI - JUNE 13: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks plays defense as Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game during Round 2, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs  on June 13, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly preparing to be without Kyrie Irving through at least the remainder of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Nets do not expect to see Irving back on the floor against the Bucks but are increasingly optimistic about James Harden's status. Harden went through shootaround Tuesday morning to test his injured hamstring and is "hopeful" to be back in the lineup for Game 5, which tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The Nets have been without Harden since the opening minute of Game 1. Irving went down in the second quarter of Brooklyn's Game 4 loss after stepping on the foot of Giannis Antetokounmpo on a shot attempt.

Nets coach Steve Nash said he had "no idea" when Irving would be able to return. 

"I have to wait and see how it progresses, I think," Nash told reporters Monday. "And then the experts would have to wait and see how it progresses and give you a clearer picture on what the window would be for his return."

The Nets offense has struggled without Irving as Kevin Durant has been forced to shoulder the focus of the Bucks defense. The point guard's departure from the lineup may be mitigated by the return of Harden, though it remains to be seen whether he will be close to 100 percent by tipoff.

Regardless, being without Irving for the remainder of the series will reduce Brooklyn's margin of error to almost zero. The teams have won two games apiece.