Two of the league's best guards will be making their grand return to the NBA soon, with Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving set to make their season debuts for the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets, respectively; this week.
Klay Thompson to return vs Cavs
Sources told ESPN that there is growing optimism that Thompson will make his much-anticipated return against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, January 9. The Warriors are expected to make a final decision on Thompson's debut after the conclusion of their back-to-back set against the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Warriors and Thompson have targeted two specific dates for their star guard's return on their January schedule. Apart from their January 9 meeting with the Cavs, Thompson can also debut against the Detroit Pistons on January 18. It looks like fans would not have to wait that long for Thompson's return, though, with the three-time NBA champion targeting the Cleveland game for his much-awaited comeback.
It has been a long time since Thompson graced an NBA hardcourt. He last suited up for the Warriors in June 2019 during Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Thompson tore the ACL in his left knee in that loss against the Toronto Raptors. Thompson missed the entire 2019-20 season as he rehabilitated his injured knee.
Thompson suffered another huge blow ahead of the 2020-21 season when he tore his right Achilles tendon during a November 2020 workout. The Warriors again missed the services of one of the best shooting guards in NBA history the entire season, with Golden State failing to reach the playoffs as a result.
Barring another injury setback, Thompson's return is all systems go this week. Steve Kerr told reporters recently that Thompson will get his place back in the starting lineup immediately. Thompson was seen holding up six fingers as he was exiting the shootaround for the Warriors' game against the Miami Heat, perhaps hinting that his return is just six days away.
Klay Thompson held up six fingers as he left pregame warmups.
He could possibly make his return in six days.
(via @NBCSWarriors) pic.twitter.com/XjYyqA5zQL— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 4, 2022
Related Article: Brooklyn Nets Get Major Boost as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Lamarcus Aldridge Clear Protocols
Kyrie Irving to return vs Pacers
Kyrie Irving is another player who is set to return to the NBA this week. According to head coach Steve Nash, Irving should make his season debut for the Brooklyn Nets this coming Wednesday, January 5, against the Indiana Pacers. Irving, who remains unvaccinated, can only participate in road games as he is barred from playing in New York City due to its strict COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
The Nets decided before the start of the season that they would not want Irving to have a part-time role with the team. They backtracked from that decision in mid-December after a player shortage hit the Nets due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
The Nets were giving heavy minutes to Kevin Durant and James Harden, a move that Nash said was unsustainable. With Irving back in the fold, the Nets hope to lessen Durant and Harden's playing time for the remainder of the season.
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