Monday, January 12, 2009

During the Nets' loss to Richard Jefferson and the Bucks on Friday night, PF Yi Jianlian said he heard something pop. The Nets have to make sure that wasn't their season.

Yi fractured the pinkie on his right hand when he tried to slap away the ball on defense, an injury that is expected to keep him out four to six weeks. The 7-footer had just started playing with consistency and was giving the Nets the kind of play they hoped he would when they acquired him in the Jefferson deal. Yi averaged 17.8 points in the prior four games.

"Lousy timing," team president Rod Thorn said. "He'd been playing well. The last 2 1/2 , three weeks he's been playing well. Even in games he didn't score a lot in, he's been playing well."

The Nets did get some good news. G Devin Harris is expected back for tonight's game against the Thunder. He's missed three of the past four games with a hamstring injury.

BOBCATS: Rookie G D.J. Augustin will be out a minimum of 10 days with a strained abdominal muscle.

Augustin played only four minutes before leaving Saturday's win against the Wizards after aggravating the injury that has plagued him for several days. An MRI exam yesterday revealed the strain.

Meantime, G Raymond Felton, mentioned lately in trade talks, turned his right ankle, but isn't expected to miss any time.

HAWKS: C Al Horford was held out against the 76ers with a bone bruise in his right knee and will miss at least three more games.

Horford was injured in Friday's loss at Orlando and is out indefinitely after an MRI exam showed the bruise, Coach Mike Woodson said.

Horford will miss a three-game road trip beginning in Phoenix.

-- From News Services