“If Kyrie Irving is gone and James Harden can’t come back, Bucks and Sixers are now favorites in the East”: Skip Bayless gives in and anoints Giannis as a Finals contender after Bucks’ Game 4 win vs Nets

Undisputed analyst Skip Bayless recently hinted at the east being up for grabs due to an ankle injury sustained by Nets star Kyrie Irving.

Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving had an awkward landing during the 2nd quarter of Game 3. That was later diagnosed as a right ankle sprain. Irving was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

This came as a huge setback for the Nets organization. The franchise had already suffered a big blow with their star point guard James Harden succumbing to a hamstring injury in the first 43 seconds of Game 1 against the Bucks.

The Brooklyn Nets, who were till recently considered favorites to win the 2021 NBA title, might have just found themselves in an unlikely situation.

Kyrie’s turned ankle looked BAD. Hope it turns out not to be. But if he’s gone for a while, and Harden can’t return soon … the Bucks have a shot and the Sixers are the favorites.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 13, 2021

Time will only tell if we will be able to see the Big 3 again on the court.

Also Read: “Kyrie Irving! F***”: LeBron James shocked by Nets star’s injury due to landing on Giannis’ foot in Game 4 vs Bucks

This Kyrie Irving injury might have just opened the door for other teams in the Eastern Conference

The Brooklyn Nets lost Game 3 to the Milwaukee Bucks, which resulted in the series being tied  2-2. The Bucks, who looked miserable during the first 2 games of the semi-finals, might have just found themselves a golden ticket to the conference finals.

The Bucks are one of the strongest teams in the east with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton. They also acquired elite defender in PJ Tucker earlier this year.

The Bucks have been struggling with early post-season exits for a few years now. Nevertheless, the team made a few changes to their roster which clearly seems to be an upgrade from their previous. This upgrade was on display during the first round as the Milwaukee Bucks swept the Miami Heat.

The other team that could capitalize from the injury woes of the Brooklyn Nets is the Philadelphia 76ers. The 1st seed in the eastern conference has had a successful journey so far in the playoffs.

They beat the Washington Wizards 4-1 and are currently in a 2-1 lead in their series against the Atlanta Hawks. The 76ers are highly favored to win the NBA championship this year.

Also Read: “Ayo Bruce Brown what is wrong with you?”: LeBron James can’t believe that Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant didn’t take the Nets’ crucial shot in Game 3

The 2020-21 NBA season has been plagued by injuries, with top superstars missing several games due to injuries and COVID19 protocols. This has resulted in popular teams such as the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and now Brooklyn Nets struggling to succeed due to their top superstars missing.