The long-awaited return of Gerald Wallace may take place tonight.
The versatile small forward, who suffered a high left ankle sprain in the Nets’ season-opening victory and has missed the last six games, practiced fully yesterday and could start tonight against the Kings, coach Avery Johnson said. Wallace made it through a scrimmage without a setback and was listed as questionable.
“The main thing is he went through practice [yesterday], we’ll see how he feels [today],” Johnson said. “We’re just not sure yet. The main thing is going to be about recovery.”
Though the Nets (5-2) have won their past four games, they have missed Wallace.
“Gerald is very important because of his versatility, his toughness, his size, his experience, [playing] multiple positions,” Johnson said. “He’s really important to us.”
* In Sacramento, the Nets will be facing an elite frontcourt, led by DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson and rookie Thomas Robinson.
“We can’t let them get going,” Kris Humphries said. “They are very talented scoring the ball.We can’t let them get momentum.We have to approach this game with the focus and energy we would bring to the Lakers game or something like that because they are very capable of performing.”
The Nets would like to get off to a fast start on this three-game road trip, their first of the young season, which includes games against the Lakers and Warriors. The 2-7 Kings have lost four straight games, but the Nets don’t plan to overlook them.
“They’re a desperate team — desperate and dangerous,” Johnson said. “They’re going to be on top of their game. They are going to want to protect their home court. We want to get off to a good start.”
* Reggie Evans was warned for flopping by the NBA for a play involving Celtics forward Jared Sullinger in Thursday’s victory in Brooklyn.
After a missed shot by C.J. Watson, Evans went down as if Sullnger nailed him with a flagrant elbow, while in fact no contact was made. A foul was called on Sullinger on the play. The next offense will cost Evan, the star of the NBA anti-flopping video circulated in the preseason, $5,000.
* Deron Williams (foot/ankle) practiced fully and will play, Johnson said.