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Nets superstar Kyrie Irving to make season debut against Pacers, per report

Kyrie Irving is back.

The Nets superstar "is expected” to make his season debut Wednesday against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Irving has not played this season after refusing to get vaccinated.

A New York city mandate requires anyone over 5 years old to be vaccinated in order to enter arenas, making Irving ineligible to compete in home games at Barclays Center. Irving is still eligible to play in road games.

The Nets originally decided he could not be a part-time player this season but recently changed course and welcomed the seven-time All-Star back into the fold. Irving, who is still unvaccinated, will join fellow superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden, bolstering Brooklyn's chances of winning a championship this year.

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More: As players enter COVID protocols, Pacers learning to adjust to new teammates on the fly

Oct 30, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) during the first half at Barclays Center.
Oct 30, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) during the first half at Barclays Center.

Irving is still ineligible for home games, which as of right now includes playoff games later this season.

Last season, the 6-2 guard averaged 26.9 points, 6.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50.6% from the field, 40.2% on 3-pointers and 92.2% at the free throw line.

Follow IndyStar Pacers beat writer James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Reach him via email: jboyd1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Nets superstar Kyrie Irving makes season debut vs. Pacers, per report