As Harden nears return, another injury setback
Alex Schiffer, Nets beat writer: Nobody has had worse luck with injuries this season than Brooklyn when it comes to chemistry. The Nets are on the brink of getting James Harden back for at least one of their three final regular-season games and now appear to be without Irving for at least one of them. Nash didn’t rule out Irving for Wednesday, nor did he say Harden will play, but this continues to narrow the chances Brooklyn has to get one more look at their big three ahead of the postseason,
Irving’s history of facial injuries
Schiffer: Irving took a shot to the face in the preseason last year, which caused him to miss time, but was ready to go for opening night. He also scored 41 points against the Knicks in his second season while donning a protective mask because of a broken bone in his face. Safe to say this isn’t the first time Irving has dealt with a facial injury and Steve Nash said after the game that Irving isn’t concussed, but will need more scanning on Wednesday.
How important is it the Nets remain a top-two seed?
Schiffer: It’s very important. The Nets already likely have to go through both Milwaukee and Philadelphia, two teams that have continuity and playoff experience with their current rosters, which the Nets lack. Home-court advantage would be welcomed for a team that is going to be figuring things out as they make their way through the playoffs. Brooklyn leads Milwaukee by a game with three games left, all of which are winnable. A win on Wednesday would go a long way.
(Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today)
