On January 12, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season is in full swing. In yesterday's focus battle, the Nets lost 108-114 to the Blazers on the road, suffering their fifth defeat in their last seven games, making the record 25-14.
Earlier today, the Nets officially released the team's injury report, specifically: Clarkston (left hamstring tension), Harden (left knee overextending), Irving (left ankle sprain) tomorrow to play the Bulls is doubtful; Joe Harris (ankle injury) and Aldridge (foot injury) will continue to be absent.
Before yesterday's game began, the Nets official announced Harden's retirement. Then the Nets reporter Kristian Winfield said: "There is not much news about Harden's knee injury, and the Nets have to face a difficult back-to-back schedule this week, so it is necessary to let Harden rest and recover." Nets coach Nash also said Harden doesn't need to undergo an MRI check and is expected to play Thursday's away game against the Bulls. But either way, the Nets have to be serious about injuries, so whether Harden can play tomorrow is unknown.
In yesterday's loss to the Trail Blazers, Irving clashed with the other side in the final quarter. When he was forced by Little, the two fell out of the field together, Irving fell to the ground at one point, and the Nets even requested a timeout for him. Owen was very unhappy with Little's move, saying after the game: "It was a bit reckless, it was completely unnecessary. I probably suffered an ankle fracture or some more serious injury because of this action, and this action should not appear in the game. ”
It is worth mentioning that if neither Irving nor Harden can play tomorrow, then the Nets' Big Three will only have Durant left. Just after yesterday's game, the media and reporters also questioned Durant's playing time too much, Nash bluntly said: "I will consider letting Durant take a break at the right time." Durant also said that he will not take the initiative to rest, but will obey the team's arrangement.
In addition, the Nets' opponent tomorrow is the Bulls, and in the first two meetings of the season, the Nets have lost to their opponents twice. In the current rankings, the Nets are two wins behind the Bulls and rank 2nd in the East. So tomorrow's game is very important for the Nets.