The Nets will likely be without Kevin Durant on Christmas Day against the Lakers but “anything’s possible,” said Steve Nash.
However, James Harden will be available— and play.
After the Nets’ Christmas Eve practice Friday morning, Steve Nash said DeAndre’ Bembry is currently the only player out of the 10 quarantined Nets (now nine) to test out of the league’s health and safety protocols. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both remain in protocols and when Nash was asked whether there’s a possibility either can join the team in LA, the Nets head coach ruled Irving out but said Durant’s status remains in the air.
“He’s still in protocols and he needs ramp-up so we won’t see Kyrie [Irving] on this trip,” Nash said
As for Durant, it seems the Nets’ only hope is that the NBA and NBPA agree to a change that would reduce the 10-day quarantine period to seven days. KD entered protocols on December 18.
“I honestly don’t know what the rule change will be or how it will affect us. I guess anything is possible and we’ll see when the time comes. Right now, I can’t answer that.”
Although nine players remain on protocols — Durant, along with Kyrie Irving, Bruce Brown, James Johnson, LaMarcus Aldridge, Day’Ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas, David Duke Jr., and Kessler Edwards — the Nets head coach said Bembry is available and Nic Claxton (left wrist) is on track to play Christmas.
“Nobody’s gone into protocols. DeAndre’ Bembry has come out of protocols and Nic [Claxton] should be ready to go tomorrow,” Nash said.
Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
Harden, who tested out of protocols Thursday, and Blake Griffin, who banged up his knee in Saturday’s loss to the Magic will be available for Brooklyn as well. The Nets head coach didn’t mention any restrictions on either player.
“I think Blake’s knee is better. He’s fine and James [Harden] will play tomorrow,” the Nets head coach said.
In talking to the media, Bembry laid out what it’s like trying to keep in shape while stuck at home. Bembry, who hasn’t played since Dec. 12 against the Pistons said he had equipment at home to help him stay in NBA shape. The 6’5” forward had a foam roller, a stationary bike, and some dumbells to utilize. The 27-year-old added he didn’t have many symptoms and felt good throughout quarantine.
“Luckily, I had a little bit of workout gear with me. That was about it. I had a foam roll as well. I wasn’t able to do too much. Just get a home workout and stay isolated from everyone, so wasn’t able to do too much,” said Bembry staying in shape while in quarantine. “…….