Prior to Monday’s game vs. the Knicks, the Nets announced that guard Tyler Johnson will require a “period of rehabilitation and strengthening” to address the soreness in his right knee, as Brian Lewis of The New York Post relays (via Twitter).
The club didn’t offer a specific timeline for Johnson’s recovery, indicating in its announcement that updates on his status would be provided as appropriate. However, speaking later to reporters, head coach Steve Nash suggested that it would likely be a “two-or-three week thing” (Twitter link via Lewis).
Johnson has been a reliable rotation player for Brooklyn this season, averaging 16.8 minutes per contest in 31 games. However, he’s obviously not nearly as crucial to the team’s ongoing success as James Harden, who is dealing with a leg injury of his own.
After missing two games due to right hamstring tightness, Harden returned to action on Monday night, but only played four minutes before experiencing discomfort in the same hamstring and leaving the game, per Malika Andrews of ESPN.
As Lewis writes for The New York Post, Nash said that a pregame scan on Harden’s hamstring was clean and that his strength tests were normal, so there’s no indication that there’s any structural damage. For now, Harden is considered day-to-day — after the game, Nash expressed uncertainty about whether the former MVP would have to miss much time.
“This may linger. It may be all behind us like we thought it was before the game,” Nash said. “But it’s just one of those things where the scan is clean, the strength tests are clean, but he feels something, so we’re going to err on the side of caution.”
The banged-up Nets are also missing guards Landry Shamet, who is day-to-day with an ankle injury, and Spencer Dinwiddie, who is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the season while recovering from ACL surgery.
On the plus side, star forward Kevin Durant, who has been out since February 13 with a hamstring injury of his own, is reportedly close to a return. And even while battling the injury bug, Brooklyn keeps winning. The team is currently 35-16, a half-game ahead of Philadelphia for the top seed in the East.
Nets beat Knicks last night
Knicks are now the 8th seed
There is a chance that 9th seed Pacers or Bulls take down Knicks
How many times did I say Knicks Need to upgrade the rosters last month?
Some Knicks fans don’t care
We dont mind about upgrades. That will come in time. What we care about is that there’s a culture change. Knicks are playing hard, as a team under a great defensive coach and a decent front office.
That culture change is everything right now. Playoffs or play in tournament is a bonus.
Unfortunately the only variable that will never change is that shi**y owner
Ben Mclemore signed by Lakers, agree with you 1000%. The front office needs some changing still.
Better than when Harden reported to camp when it was clear he was bothered by ham
Tyler Johnson looks like Robin Lopez
Nets would be fine without Harden for an extended period, especially with KD coming back. Not sure you could say the same for any other MVP candidate (Lillard, Jokic, etc)
They would be better off than the Lakers have been without LBJ, but the Nets would still struggle without Harden for an extended period of time due to their lack of depth. If they were forced to lean too hard on KD like the Lakers did with LeBron, they could end up in the same situation with two injured superstars.
Tough loss against Nets. Shows Knicks still have a way to go. Missing Mitch really hurts, although some geniuses here don’t understand that. Really, why would they. Nets just have to make sure they are healthy for playoffs. Their D is still a weakness. But you will have to outscore them to beat them. Knicks have a tough schedule still coming. It’s why you have to win these type of games. They let Nets back in it. Credit Kyrie for that, Green too. Knicks win as a team. Considering Payton’s D has been off, wonder why Thibs not giving Nttilikina mins there. Without Mitch Knicks probably fight for last playoff seeds. It’s what I’ve been saying, and why we need a rim protector to replace him. They will have to do center by committee, no choice. I see Bulls and Hawks getting better now. Hornets and Knicks lose players. Both could start to fall .
Noel 4th in the league in blocked shots? Need scoring! Athleticism!
They didn’t go for a scorer at TD. They will either trade for one or sign one Next yr. no need to rush this. This is an important piece. Will have to be part of core, Mitch, RJ, Randle. I for one am glad to see them be patient about this. Thibs just got here. We do need another scorer, they will get one.
Nets sure haven’t had a lot of games to get in sync…I am beginning to wonder if they will be this years’ Clippers, all bark and no bite in the playoffs, when defense and team play matters.