The Celtics guard, who was selected to play in his fifth NBA All-Star Game Thursday, sat out against the Philadelphia 76ers.
BOSTON – The good news for Kyrie Irving on Thursday night that he was voted to play in his fifth NBA All-Star Game next month.
The bad news was that Irving was unable to suit up for the Celtics against the Philadelphia 76ers due to left shoulder soreness.
Irving, the top vote getter among Eastern Conference guards by the fans, media and fellow players, is headed to Los Angeles for the Feb. 18 game.
“I am truly appreciative of the fans of the NBA and the Boston Celtics for voting me in to this year’s All-Star Game as a starter,’’ said Irving in a statement released by the team after his selection was announced. “I am super proud that I can represent the Celtics in LA and looking forward to putting on a show.’’
Irving’s former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James, and Steph Curry will be picking the teams this year after getting the most votes in each conference.
As for the shoulder, Irving said he is hoping a few days off will allow the shoulder to strengthen so that he can play on Sunday afternoon when the Celtics host the Orlando Magic.
Irving said he had been dealing with shoulder soreness for a week and had problems during Tuesday night’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Results of a MRI were negative, and Irving doesn’t think he’ll be sidelined very long.
“Just make sure everything is all right from a strength perspective,’’ said Irving. “Obviously a few days will put me where I need to be and we’ll see what goes on for Sunday’s game.
“It’s nothing too crazy, it’s just giving me a little discomfort over the last week and I’ve just been playing through it and doing what’s best in terms of preparing best for every single game.’’
Irving said the shoulder bothered him at times when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the soreness wasn’t like it was this week.
“It never really limited me that much,’’ said Irving. “At this point, it was something kind of new for me in terms of what it was feeling like. I’m just glad we have a great medical staff and we had a great medical staff when I was in Cleveland as well.
“When I’m trying to drive left and the ball isn’t bouncing the way I would like to or feel as comfortable as I would like, that was cause for my concern on my end.
“The last game when I was shooting in pregame was probably the most discomfort I felt. Obviously I played throughout the game, but afterwards I knew I kind of had to get an MRI.’’
Irving missed his third game of the season, previously sitting out with a quad ailment and a facial fracture.
Irving could be joined at the All-Star Game by Al Horford, who was sixth among Eastern Conference frontcourt players. The reserves will be announced on Tuesday night.
Young returns: James Young, a first-round draft pick in 2014 who spent three uneventful seasons with the Celtics, was back at the Garden as a member of the Sixers.
Young, who signed a two-way contract on Jan. 5, was the first player the Celtics selected with their draft picks from the Brooklyn Nets. He played 89 games in three years, averaging 2.3 points.
“I thought we had a lot of good players come through here throughout that time. He was very young,’’ said coach Brad Stevens. “I thought he consistently got better. I thought towards the end of last year practicing he looked his best.’’
Also on the 76ers roster is Demetrius Jackson, who spent his rookie season with the Celtics last year. Jackson signed a two-way contract this week after being with the Houston Rockets.
Around the rim: There was a moment of silence prior to the game for Jo Jo White, the Celtics’ Hall of Fame guard who died at 71 Tuesday. A video of his career highlights was also shown, and White’s No. 10 jersey and flowers were placed on his former seat near midcourt. ... Kevin McHale, who won three titles with the Celtics, was courtside working on TNT. ... With Guerschon Yabusele (illness) and Irving out, the Celtics recalled Kadeem Allen from the Maine Red Claws of the NBA G League.