The New Jersey Nets, already playing without center Brook Lopez, have to overcome the loss of PG Deron Williams and PF Kris Humphries Wednesday night when they take on the Celtics in Boston. As it turns out, the home team will be playing shorthanded as well.
Guard Ray Allen will sit out Wednesday's matchup as he battles the flu. The veteran sharp shooter had played in every game so far this season and is averaging 20 points and is fresh off a team-high 27 points Monday night in a 100-92 victory over the Washington Wizards.
The happiest person in the arena to hear about Allen's absence is Nets rookie MarShon Brooks. The young guard will be making his first NBA start due to the injury to Williams and was immediately tasked with trying to guard Allen in head coach Avery Johnson's initial game plan.
Even without the All Star, the Celtics will pose quite a challenge for the struggling Nets. Boston lost the first three games of the season while playing without Paul Pierce, but have won three straight since he returned to the lineup.
While neither team will be at full strength, the Nets still have quite the tall task ahead of them.