Kevin Durant ‘on track’ for Sunday but ‘no decision’ on Kyrie Irving

Prior to Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Steve Nash provided updates on both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

As for Irving, Nash said he messaged with the Nets point guard Thursday but wants to keep the details of the conversation and details on his absence private. The 46-year-old head coach also said there’s no news on his status for Sunday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I messaged with Kai [yesterday] but I want to keep all that stuff private,” Nash said. “We do not have any decision on Sunday yet but we will deal with that and figure it out before we go on Sunday.”

Anthony Puccio of The Association reported Thursday morning that Irving did not play because he is protesting riots at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, and the disparity between the way police treated the Capitol rioters and various black citizens. He is particularly upset with the killing of Breonna Taylor in her bed by Metro Louisville police on March 13.

Here’s the specifics of what Pooch reported...

One source close to Irving’s camp told The Association that Irving did not play because he is protesting against the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, and the lack of repercussions for the police officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor.

“Kyrie is very upset about everything that is going on in this country,” the source added.

As for Irving’s fellow “4 AM” crewmember, Kevin Durant is still well on his way to return to action against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant is, of course, in the midst of his mandated 7-day quarantine in accordance with the NBA’s contact tracing program. He tested positive for COVID-19 back on March 17th, 2020.

“Kevin, I believe, is still on track for Sunday. So we just have to hope his tests continue to be negative and everything stays as is, and it appears everything will be good to go Sunday.”

Mark your calendars.

• Michael Grady gives an update on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (Video) - YES Network
• Kyrie Irving’s Nets absence a reaction to Capitol Hill riot - Brian Lewis - New York Post
• Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving remain sidelined for Nets - Greg Logan - Newsday
• NBA will not fine Kyrie Irving, Nets for missed games: source - Kristian Winfield - New York Daily News
• Steve Nash has texted with Kyrie Irving, whose status for Sunday’s Nets game is unknown - Colin Martin - SNY
• Kyrie Irving ‘Genuinely Upset’ About Events At Capitol, No-Charging Decision In Jacob Blake Shooting - Adam Zagoria - Forbes Sports Money