Question - Could Jaylen and Jayson's absences have anything to do with the vaccination requirement to play in Toronto? I don't remember them saying specifically they've been vaccinated. In all likelihood it was a day of rest, but are we sure?
They both played in New York, so
I doubt it.
Both have had some knee issues and probably needed a rest anyway.
That rule didn't affect road team players.
Regardless, I'm pretty sure this whole thing is just sports radio manufactured conspiracy theory.
Again, did Jayson and Jaylen travel to Toronto and were they on the bench? Since when do players that are sitting out due to rest or minor injuries, not travel with the team?
This isn't a big deal because they missed one game. This team has essentially used a playoff rotation for three months now, and finally gets the best record in the East on Sunday. And the very next day, the team rest their two best players because of rest, which just happens to coincide with the only NBA city that requires everyone to be vaccinated? And if it was just for rest, why rest both guys for the same game, especially when Williams just got injured and Al is out for personal reasons?
With Robert Williams being out for some time, and Toronto surging of late, there is a good chance these two teams can meet in the first round. If that comes to pass, we will definitely know the answer then. The speculation this whole time was if Kyrie would miss home games. Imagine if both Jayson and Jaylen can't play a series in Toronto?