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Nets injuries: MarShon Brooks out vs. Cavs, Gerald Wallace doubtful

Gerald Wallace, the key to the Brooklyn Nets' defense, practiced Monday for the first time since the season opener, although he is still doubtful for Tuesday night's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. MarShon Brooks will not play.

By Rodger Sherman
Elsa

Brooklyn Nets forward Gerald Wallace practiced for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Brooklyn Nets' season opener, but he's still doubtful for Tuesday night's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while MarShon Brooks will not play.

Wallace sprained his ankle in the team's first game, and the hustle-crazy forward has been out of the lineup since with, Keith Bogans starting. Bogans, who is not only a defensive downgrade from Wallace, is only averaging 3.4 points on a measly 31 percent shooting. Wallace wouldn't say whether he felt ready to play after practicing with the team Monday, and Avery Johnson admitted he didn't look to be in game shape Monday, but his return to the practice court indicates he might be able to play Thursday. The team emphasized how important Wallace was to their defense:

"We need Gerald, we really can't be the type of team we want to be without Gerald," Johnson admitted Monday afternoon.

Brooks, who also has a sprained ankle, participated in non-contact segments of practice and will not be able to play Tuesday night. Deron Williams hurt his ankle a bit in Sunday's game, but he'll be good to go against the Cavaliers.