NEWSLETTER
Ahead of tonight’s battle between the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, the availability of two key players is in question.
The NBA’s latest official injury report continues to list Kyrie Irving and James Harden as questionable with an ankle and knee injury, respectively. Irving suffered an ankle injury in Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers when he and forward Nassir Little went after a loose ball. Irving stayed in the game and played a total of 39 minutes (scoring 22 points). He told reporters he planned to be available for tonight’s matchup after the game, but the injury report has yet to confirm that.
As for Harden, he missed the Nets’ game against Portland due to a hyperextended knee he suffered while playing nearly 44 minutes against the San Antonio Spurs. His absence in that game may have been more precautionary than anything, however, as it was the second night of a back-to-back.
My best guess would be that both Irving and Harden suit up against Chicago. The Nets want to close the gap on the Bulls’ conference lead, and tonight is a big-time opportunity on a big-time stage to remind everyone why they belong as one of the league’s top contenders. Still, even if both superstars take the floor, it will be fair to wonder whether both are 100 percent.
One player we know will not suit up for his meeting with the Bulls is Draymond Green. The 3x champion is dealing with a calf injury that has caused him to miss the past three games. As the team’s assist-leader and arguably best rebounder, there is no question his absence makes a sizable difference, as the Warriors have now lost two of their last three games.
Draymond Green won’t play in Milwaukee or Chicago. Steve Kerr said “I guess there’s a chance” Green could rejoin Warriors in Minnesota, but “doubtful”. Likely out for entire road trip.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 12, 2022
