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Celtics' Kyrie Irving Out for Playoffs, Rivals Eye Upset

3/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics will miss the 2018 NBA playoffs due to knee surgery.
Guard Marcus Smart is also sidelined, and forward Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics has been out all season, further weakening the Celtics' lineup.
Lower-seeded teams such as the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are already planning for a potential first-round matchup against Boston.
Rivals view Irving's absence as an opportunity to advance in the playoffs.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 NBA lockout, which began on July 1, resulted in a five-month hiatus due to disputes over revenue sharing and salary cap structure. This led to the 2011–12 season being shortened to 66 games, starting on December 25. The lockout's impact is evident today, as injuries, like Kyrie Irving's knee surgery, continue to challenge teams, affecting playoff dynamics and opportunities for lower-seeded franchises.

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Story summary

Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics will miss the 2018 NBA playoffs due to knee surgery.
Guard Marcus Smart is also sidelined, and forward Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics has been out all season, further weakening the Celtics' lineup.
Lower-seeded teams such as the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are already planning for a potential first-round matchup against Boston.
Rivals view Irving's absence as an opportunity to advance in the playoffs.

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