Kyrie Irving's return to the court is up in the air.
The Nets lost James Harden to a hamstring injury earlier in the series, and now Brooklyn may be without Irving for some time, with the star guard out for at least Tuesday's Game 5 and perhaps beyond.
In the second quarter of Sunday's Game 4, Irving landed awkwardly on Giannis Antetokounmpo's foot, and he would remain on the floor for the next possession. Irving would walk off gingerly, but under his own power after the injury.
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The Nets would lose Irving for the remainder of the game — and they would lose the game itself, with the series vs. the Bucks evening at 2-2.
ESPN's Rachel Nichols reported that Irving was spotted with crutches and a walking boot after the game.
I’m told Kyrie was in a walking boot and using crutches after spraining his ankle during today’s Nets-Bucks Game 4. Steve Nash says that x-rays on the ankle were negative and that Kyrie will undergo further testing/evaluation tomorrow.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 13, 2021
Here's what we know about Irving's timeline to return to the court.
How long is Kyrie Irving out?
Further testing on Monday led to the Nets guard being ruled out for Tuesday's Game 5 vs. the Bucks. Nets coach Steve Nash says he has "no idea" whether Irving will be able to return in the series.
Kyrie Irving will miss Game 5 on Tuesday with a sprained right ankle, Steve Nash says. Irving had an MRI. Nash adds he has "no idea" whether or not he will be able to return in this series vs. Milwaukee.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 14, 2021
After Game 4, Nets coach Steve Nash shared some positive news regarding the ankle injury: The x-rays on Irving's ankle came back negative, meaning it's likely some degree of sprain.
The X-Rays on Kyrie Irving's ankle were negative, Steve Nash says. He will undergo further testing and treatment.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 13, 2021
Depending on the severity of the sprain, Irving may miss the remainder of the series and beyond. Ankle sprains for NBA players tend to linger and can take two weeks or longer to fully heal.
