Why is Nets’ Kyrie Irving Not Available for Game 6 Against Milwaukee Bucks?

Published 06/17/2021, 11:58 AM EDT

Coming into the post-season, the Brooklyn Nets were one of the favorites to win the title. With the big three of Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant, the Nets looked set to succeed in the playoffs.

While their post-season run got off to a comfortable start against the Celtics, it clearly hasn’t been the case in the series against the Bucks. In the first game itself, they lost James Harden to a hamstring injury in the very first minute. Despite missing the Beard, the Nets continued to dominate with Kyrie and Durant taking control.

With the series now at 3-2 in favor of the Nets, Steve Nash and Co. will hope to take close out the same but they will have to do this without Kyrie Irving. Why is the 29-year-old not available?

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The latest injury to Nets’ superstar Kyrie Irving

While the Nets are up 3-2, they did have their backs against the wall in game 4. Despite Durant and Kyrie stepping up for the Nets; the Bucks started off strongly. In order to tie the game for Brooklyn, Kyrie was getting some easy buckets.

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In one such play in the second quarter, the 7-time All-Star jumped for a layup and had 2 easy points for the Nets. But his landing certainly was rough. Landing on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s feet, Kyrie rolled his ankle.

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While the footage certainly seemed scary, the initial reports suggested there was no fracture to his ankle. This now leaves on the severity of the ankle sprain Irving has. If it is grade 1 sprain, we might see Kyrie might return in a matter of days.

How long will it take for Irving to recover?

A Grade 2 sprain will increase the recovery time to about a week and a grade 3 sprain means a tear, which might result in about a month of recovery. While the Nets till now haven’t revealed the severity of the injury, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski did give a grim update about Irving’s latest injury.

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“Right now there’s no expectation we would see him in this conference semifinal series. If the Nets do advance and beat Milwaukee, you know, they’ll hope that he continues the treatment and rehab, perhaps there’s a chance he could play in the next round. They don’t have a real time table on Irving’s return yet.”

With Irving’s return rather uncertain, the Nets will hope that their superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden can lead the team. Can the Nets continue their electrifying form and clinch the series or will Irving missing the game be a game-changer?

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.

Why is Nets’ Kyrie Irving Not Available for Game 6 Against Milwaukee Bucks?

The latest injury to Nets’ superstar Kyrie Irving

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How long will it take for Irving to recover?