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UPDATE: Jan. 12, 9:20 p.m. — Irving said he expects to play on the Nets’ upcoming back-to-back.
Kyrie Irving says he expects to play in the upcoming back-to-back. #Nets
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 13, 2020
He returned to the lineup Sunday vs. the Hawks after missing two months with a shoulder impingement. Irving scored 21 points in 20 minutes, shooting 10-11 from the field. We’ll see if this changes, but the way Irving looked against the Hawks, I’d say he’s fine to roll out in season-long fantasy basketball. We’ll see what his price is on DraftKings for Tuesday’s game vs. the Utah Jazz.
UPDATE: Jan. 12, 2:48 p.m. — Irving is officially available to play vs. the Hawks, his first game back since Nov. 14 due to a shoulder impingement.
The Nets announce that Kyrie Irving is available to play tonight for the first time since Nov. 14.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 12, 2020
Wilson Chandler (left hamstring tightness) and Garrett Temple (right knee contusion), who both missed the Nets game against the Heat on Friday are also available to play.
UPDATE: Jan. 11, 4:42 p.m. — Irving is expected to return to the lineup Sunday vs. the Atlanta Hawks, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Saturday.
Kyrie Irving is likely to make his return to the Nets lineup on Sunday against Atlanta, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2020
This is a bit above the expected return date we figured for Irving, who has been out since mid-November due to the shoulder injury. He’s expected to be back Sunday, though we don’t know how many minutes Irving will play in his return.
Irving has been out since mid-November with a right shoulder injury. He recently returned to 5-on-5 workouts in practice and is preparing for his return Sunday in Brooklyn. https://t.co/n0G9uyhhse
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 11, 2020
Irving isn’t the type of player to come off the bench, so he’ll likely start, and if that’s the case, Spencer Dinwiddie may go back to being a top 6th Man. That shouldn’t hurt his fantasy basketball value much initially, but once Irving is 100%, Dinwiddie won’t handle the ball nearly as much when Irving is out there.
Irving is officially being listed as probable.
Nets guard Kyrie Irving listed as probable for Sunday’s game against Atlanta. Hasn’t played in nearly two months
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 11, 2020
UPDATE: Jan. 9, 1:24 p.m. — Irving returned to full-contact practice on Thursday.
Kyrie Irving was able to practice today. Contact included. Is trying to get a few more practices in before reevaluating. Said he played in four-on-four and five-on-five. No limitations outside of shoulder rehabilitation.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) January 9, 2020
As you can see via Alex Schiffer, Irving is progressing well and it seems like he’s the closest he’s been to a return. I’d say a few more weeks and we should see Irving back in action for the Nets.
If that is the case, Spencer Dinwiddie will take a big value hit in both DFS and season-long fantasy basketball as a result. I’d imagine Irving will be eased back into action, but once he’s up to speed, Dinwiddie should take a back seat and come off the bench again. I’d still peg him as one of the top 6th Men in the NBA, but he won’t get the type of usage to put up the numbers he’s been putting up.
Brooklyn Nets PG Kyrie Irving updated reporters on his status Saturday, explaining that he is taking cortisone shots in his right shoulder to avoid surgery. Irving said that his shoulder now has bursitis and it’s difficult for him to lift it up to take shots.
Irving said he’s been doing cortisone shots to avoid surgery. Didn’t take anti-inflammatories. Said he overworked his shoulder trying to come back from facial injury he suffered in preseason. Shot daily. Played through it and it got to a point where he couldn’t shoot pain-free.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) January 4, 2020
Still, Irving is in good spirits it seems and he’s doing his best to get back on the court for the Nets, who are 16-17 and currently in the seventh seed in the East.
Kyrie Irving: "It just sucks man. It's disheartening." Says playing on the roadtrip made it worse. But he's in a better place now and hopes it progresses in the next few weeks.
— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzNYC) January 4, 2020
Irving hasn’t played since Nov. 14 due to the shoulder impingement. With Irving out, the Nets have been able to stay in the playoff race thanks to Spencer Dinwiddie, who has filled in nicely for Kyrie. Dinwiddie is averaging 22.3 points and 6.3 assists per game this season and honestly is in contention to play in the All-Star game if he keeps this up.