NEW YORK _ Kyrie Irving's shoulder issues are not a thing of the past.
Irving, who has missed the Nets' last five games with a right knee sprain, missed Tuesday's practice because of issues stemming from the right shoulder impingement he suffered earlier this season and now has plans to have it reevaluated.
"He's still having issues with his shoulder. He is going to see a specialist this week," Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson said on Tuesday. "I don't expect him to be available for Thursday."
When pressed on whether Irving could be out for the season, Atkinson said: "I don't want to go there. I don't feel comfortable saying that."
Irving injured his shoulder in a Nov. 4 road game against the New Orleans Pelicans. He played through the injury two more games before sitting out the next 26. In that time, Irving said he also developed bursitis in the shoulder.
Irving received a cortisone shot on Dec. 24 and admitted the shot "put me in a better position. I feel better, my body feels better."
The effects of that shot appear to have worn off, and Irving was wary of receiving another one.
"I know getting it more than once or twice, you're putting yourself at risk," he said on Jan. 4. "I'll make the best decision for my health."
Prior to Tuesday's revelation, the Nets were optimistic Irving was nearing a return from the knee injury, which he picked up against the Wizards on Feb. 1 after a scary tangle-up with Bradley Beal.
"(The knee) was progressing," Atkinson said. "It was getting better, but this is at the forefront now."
Irving has only played in 20 games this season. He is averaging more than 27 points, six assists and five rebounds this season, but has not been available long enough to help the Nets consistently.
The Nets will have to protect their playoff standing without Irving. They are 8-12 in games he has played and 17-16 in games he hasn't.
"We know we have a tough schedule coming up," Atkinson said. "Sixteen games on the road. This is kind of money time now. We're gonna have to play well to keep where we are and even improve. We're gonna have to play really well. We understand the schedule isn't easy."
