Kyrie Irving Talks Eye Injury, Says It Wasn't Intentional Hit by Marco Belinelli

Kyrie Irving said he does not believe Marco Belinelli intentionally hurt him when he hit both of the Boston Celtics guard's eyes while battling for a rebound in a Dec. 31 game against the San Antonio Spurs. 

"I make my living with my eyes," Irving told reporters Sunday. "My whole entire body, but my eyes are just one of the most important things that I need to play this game. It was swollen, and there was light sensitivity after the initial hit.

"Watched it a few times, trying to figure out whether or not it was malicious or not, but I don't think it was. So I'll let it go. But I got hit pretty good, and I'm just glad to get a few days' rest, as well."

Irving suffered a scratched cornea and missed the Celtics' last two games. He is expected to return Monday against the Brooklyn Nets.

Belinelli hit Irving's face when attempting to box him out. The Celtics All-Star was attempting to get around Belinelli and grab his own rebound.

"I think he got both eyes pretty good because when the offensive rebound came off the rim, my eyes, they just kind of widened, and then he caught me right as I was about to go attack the basketball. So I see the ball go off the rim, my eyes widen and he comes and gets me. It's OK," Irving said.

Terry Rozier has started in Irving's place and will return to his reserve role. The Celtics won both games by double digits.