Nets vs. Heat: Gerald Wallace, Josh Childress out

It's only the third game of the new Nets' era in Brooklyn, but head coach Avery Johnson is already dealing with some significant injury issues. Both Gerald Wallace and Josh Childress will be out against the Heat.

Brooklyn re-signed Wallace to a hefty new deal in the offseason, but the athletic swing-man sat out Monday night against the Timberwolves with an ankle sprain. That problem has persisted as the week progressed, and he'll be a key missing piece as the Nets try to knock off the defending champs in Miami.

Childress plays a similar role to Wallace, providing athleticism on the wing. He's a better shooter, but both would have come in handy defending LeBron James. Childress is also dealing with an ankle injury. The Nets are coming off a disappointing loss to the Timberwolves that involved a blown 22-point lead in the second half. The loss of both Wallace and Childress on the glass and the defensive end is a big blow to their shot at coming away with a victory.