Injuries to make an impact as Nets, Suns meet

The status of Kyrie Irving might not be known until close to game time when the Brooklyn Nets visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.

Irving is bothered by right calf soreness and was scratched prior to Tuesday's 106-98 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the opener of a five-game road trip.

Brooklyn coach Jacque Vaughn was hopeful that Irving wouldn't require an MRI exam and doesn't expect a long-term absence.

In fact,