The Brooklyn Nets will finish their four-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.
The latest injury status Damian Lillard and Kyrie Irving
Portland has been one of the most impressive teams in the NBA this season, sitting atop the Western Conference standings. The Trail Blazers won their first four games of the season and have remained competitive ever since.
Damian Lillard finished with 22 points (8-20 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 4-5 FT), two rebounds, 11 assists, and one block in 40 minutes for the Spurs.
Lillard didn’t shoot well, but he had 11 assists on his way to his second consecutive double-double. He has 20 points or more in three consecutive games and is averaging 27.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in nine games this season.
Justise Winslow (ankle) is questionable for Thursday’s game.
Jusuf Nurkic (thigh) – Doubtful.
Gary Payton will miss Thursday’s game against the Nets as he works his way back into competitive shape.
Payton has yet to make his season debut due to offseason core muscle surgery. Payton’s next opportunity will come against the Jazz on Saturday. Because the 28-year-old guard only needs to re-establish competitive conditioning, he will most likely need a few practices before returning to the field.
Keon Johnson (hip) is questionable for Thursday’s game against Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Nets have gotten off to a shaky start in 2022, with off-court drama dominating the headlines. The Nets lost their first five games before winning five of their next seven, but they have since been defeated by the Lakers and Kings.
Kevin Durant scored 27 points to lead the Nets for the ninth straight game. I’m hoping he keeps shining in the upcoming match.
T.J. Warren (foot) has resumed on-court contact work and will progress to team practices gradually over the next week or two.
Kyrie Irving (suspension) is nearing the end of his return-to-play process and could play against the Grizzlies as soon as Sunday.
Irving will miss at least Thursday’s game against the Trail Blazers, but that appears to be the end of the road for him, with no timetable for his return currently available. When Irving is cleared to return to the court, expect him to replace Edmond Sumner as the starting point guard.
