On January 5, Beijing time, the Nets officially announced the injury list of tomorrow's Pacers, Aldridge's right foot was sore, and the game was doubtful, and Harris continued to be absent. Nets reporters have said that Irving is not on the Nets' injury list, which means that he will return tomorrow in the away game against the Pacers.
Irving's comeback means that the Nets' big three are finally together again, and this day is exactly 7 months after the last time the three of them played the same game. The last time the Nets Big Three played in the same game was last season's first game of playoffs against the Bucks, on June 6, 2021. In that game, the Nets beat the Bucks by eight points, but the Big Three only played for 43 seconds. Harden was injured in the opening 43 seconds, Irving had 25 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists, and Durant had 29 points and 10 rebounds.
Now, after 7 months, Durant, Harden and Irving can play together again, and they are three people who are completely healthy. The Nets are currently in poor shape, having suffered a three-game losing streak, and this is their first three-game losing streak so far this season. Irving's comeback, in time for rain, is expected to liberate Durant and Harden on the offensive end and help the Nets end a three-game losing streak. Irving still refuses to be vaccinated, so if you count the Nets' extended games against the Blazers, Irving can play up to 22 regular season games.
So far this season, the Nets are 23-12, second in the East, and the Pacers are 14-23, ranking 13th in the East. Can the Pacers hold back the big three's onslaught? Let's wait and see.