NBA

Nets’ Lopez questionable to play vs. Wizards

Nets center Brook Lopez is listed as questionable — again. Let’s see if Wednesday goes any better than Monday.

“He’s questionable,’’ coach Jason Kidd said. “He did everything [Tuesday], so we’ll see how he feels [Wednesday].’’

After aggravating his sprained left ankle Thursday against the Clippers, Lopez had expected to play Monday against the 76ers. He was caught off guard when the Nets’ trainers overruled him and told him to sit out against Philadelphia.

“It felt good to me. I guess it didn’t look right to the people that make the calls,” said Lopez. “I feel I definitely would’ve. But they felt it was better for me not to, so I have to respect that decision.’’

Lopez, who is averaging team-highs of 20.5 points and 1.9 blocks a game, was confident he’ll play Wednesday against the Wizards, but was making no promises after missing Monday’s game.

“I don’t expect to get overruled [Wednesday], but we’ll see when the time comes,” Lopez said. “In my mind, I feel confident I’ll be playing [Wednesday]. But then again, how’d that work out last time? You guys can believe me, though, I promise.”


Kidd said he is leaning toward using 36-year-old Paul Pierce off the bench again against the Wizards. Pierce has been a reserve in all four games since his return from a hand injury.

“For right now yes. [Wednesday’s] a new day so we’ll see,’’ Kidd said.

Pierce is still recovering from a broken bone in his right hand that cost him four games. He played the bulk of the fourth quarter Monday — despite the game being a blowout — because he was trying to get in sync. That’s also why he discarded the protective glove he had been wearing since his return, and it appeared to work with Pierce scoring 14 points.

“I’m just trying to get my rhythm, since I’ve been out with the hand [injury],” Pierce said. “That’s why I decided to play without the glove. It’s really been kind of hampering me, so I was just trying to see where I am, see how I can withstand the pain.

“It felt a little more comfortable just not having it there. You’re wearing something on your hand shooting the ball. You’ve been shooting the ball with your bare hand your whole life, so it’s a little difficult.’’


Andrei Kirilenko (back) and Jason Terry (knee) sat out practice and will not play against Washington.