Sources: Kyrie Irving not expected to rejoin Brooklyn Nets this week; NBA reviewing maskless videos

As the NBA is reviewing videos circulating on social media of a maskless Kyrie Irving at what appears to be a family birthday party, there is no belief the  Brooklyn Nets guard will return to the team's lineup this week, sources told ESPN.

Irving was already ruled out of his fourth straight game Tuesday night against Denver, and sources say that, at a minimum, he is expected to miss Wednesday's game against New York and Saturday's against Orlando. His absence has been attributed to personal reasons.

In the videos -- which began being widely shared Monday night -- a smiling Irving is dancing with his sister Asia on a confetti-covered floor and clapping as she blows out candles. If the video is found to be recent, that behavior could be a breach of the league's coronavirus protocols.

The league's COVID-19 guidelines forbid players from going to clubs, bars and lounges. They also ban players from attending social gatherings of more than 15 people.

"We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement Tuesday. "We are reviewing the circumstances with both Kyrie and the NBA in order to determine compliance with health and safety protocols."

"Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so," Marks added.

Nets coach Steve Nash, during his pregame media availability Tuesday, said he hadn't seen the video in question, and wasn't going to expand on Marks' statement.

Asked if he is confident Irving will return at some point this season, Nash replied: "Sure."

This investigation comes during a turbulent week, as the league is reevaluating its coronavirus health and safety rules. The league has postponed three games this week as positive COVID-19 tests and contact-tracing quarantines mounted.

The NBA in conjunction with the NBPA announced tightened coronavirus protocols Tuesday, including further limiting movement for players and staff members on road trips.

The NBA has investigated other health and safety violations this season. In December, BlackSportsOnline published a video of James Harden partying, without a mask, purportedly at a Houston club's Christmas party. After an investigation, the league fined the Houston Rockets star $50,000 and he had to quarantine for four days while returning daily negative COVID-19 tests.

Harden never missed a game.

If a player misses a game for a COVID-19 violation, he would lose 1/72nd of his salary, according to league rules.