| January 5, 2022, 9:32 AM
Kyrie Irving is not listed on the Brooklyn Nets' injury report for Wednesday night's road game against the Indiana Pacers, clearing the path for him to make his season debut.
Irving has not been vaccinated against COVID-19, which makes him ineligible to play home games under a New York City vaccine mandate. The Nets initially rejected the prospect of having Irving play only road games before reconsidering when a COVID-19 outbreak depleted the team's roster.
Nets coach Steve Nash said Monday the team was "hopeful" Irving would play in Indiana.
``It definitely gives us a spark,'' All-Star guard James Harden said. ``Obviously we're on a three-game skid right now.''
The vaccine is mandated for New York City athletes playing in public venues. He has said refusing it was what's best for him and that he was aware there would be consequences.
But he can play in road games in the cities where there is no mandate, including all the upcoming ones during a stretch that has the Nets away for seven of their next 11 games.
Even after he just recently started practising for the first time since training camp, the Nets are confident Irving's entrance can only be a positive.
``I mean, have you watched him play? He's a master,'' Kevin Durant said. ``He can score 60 per cent, 70 per cent of his shots if you don't guard him, and he's a high IQ player.''
-- With files from The Associated Press.
