2 min read • January 05, 2022
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Embattled star guard Kyrie Irving is expected to make his season debut for the Nets on Wednesday night versus the Pacers, according to both statements from head coach Steve Nash and reporting from multiple sources.
Irving will be playing his first game in 205 days, last appearing when he suffered a right ankle sprain in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on June 13.
Because of the length of time since his last action, there are multiple concerns and things to watch regarding Wednesday's game.
This appearance will serve as preseason for Irving as he will need to work into game shape, and will surely play limited minutes, likely in short spurts. His ramp-up has been processed lightning quick: he made his practice debut 6 days ago, after clearing health and safety protocols.
All that is incorporated into our worry for acclimation injuries as his body re-adjusts to live game speed and stress, specifically relating to muscle strains in the legs, e.g. hamstring, groin, quad, and calf. Despite suffering a multitude of injuries in his career – right ankle, left knee, right shoulder, to name a few – he does not have a history of such muscle injuries.
Because of his decision to stay unvaccinated, Irving will be unable to play home games or games in Toronto, meaning he will next play on Jan. 10 and 12 in Portland and Chicago, and overall will only be eligible to appear in 24 games this season.
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