Report: Kyrie Irving Eligible to Play in Nets' Home Games Starting Sunday vs. Hornets

According to reports, Irving will be able to play in home games for the Nets as soon as this Sunday.

Unvaccinated athletes in New York City will be able to play at home games on Thursday, thanks to an exemption added to the city's private sector vaccine mandate, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The new rules will level the playing field for in-town athletes and performers to match the rule that allows unvaccinated individuals to perform in NYC.

Irving has been the subject of a lot of debate during the NBA season over his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine and comply with New York City's vaccination mandates. He was sent home from the team for the first few months of the season before the Nets allowed him to be a part-time player.

Irving has made 19 appearances this year and has averaged 27.7 points, 4.7 rebound and 5.3 assists. He scored 60 points in a win over the Magic on March 15. He is going to play for the first time since that game on Wednesday in the Nets game against Memphis.

Brooklyn is currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and will likely make the play-in tournament. If Irving is able to play full-time, the Nets will have a good chance at upsetting any of the top seeds and making a run to the NBA Finals.