Kyrie Irving will not travel to Memphis with the Nets on Friday night, a team spokesperson confirmed to ESPN.
Irving did not play in Brooklyn’s 122-109 victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night because of personal reasons.
Irving has been in contact with several members of the Nets organization. Coach Steve Nash said before the game that he reached out to the star point guard.
“I sent him a message in the last half-hour and haven’t heard back yet,” Nash said. “But obviously thinking about him and hope that all is well. It’s a private matter.”
Caris LeVert, who had 22 points and 10 assists in the win, said Irving is dealing with a personal issue and that he texted teammates before the game.
Forward Kevin Durant, who is in quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, was also out against the Sixers. Nash said that if Durant continues to test negative, he could be available to play in Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nets were also without guard Tyler Johnson, who has been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Nash said Johnson has not tested positive for the coronavirus but is not playing while he goes through contact tracing. It is unrelated, Nash said, to Durant being out.
Forward Nic Claxton (knee tendinopathy), guard Spencer Dinwiddie (partially torn right ACL) and forward Reggie Perry (left groin soreness) were also out for Brooklyn.
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