Brooklyn Nets easing Brook Lopez back into lineup; will play one of two weekend games

Brook Lopez is listed as probable for Friday's game vs. the Pistons, but if he does play he will be held out Saturday vs. the Bulls. That's the word out of shootaround Friday morning.

As Rod Boone tweeted, "Avery (Johnson) basically said Brook won't be playing in both of #Nets upcoming back-to-backs. So he either goes tonight or tomorrow." Lopez told beat writers he is itching to get back out there, and felt good about getting to run some 3-on-3 at Thursday's practice.He will play limited minutes.

In addition, the Nets announced that Jerry Stackhouse won't play in either of the team's weekend games, out wth a sore knee. That would seem to open up more minutes for MarShon Brooks and Keith Bogans.

Based on tweets from Brooklyn Nets, Josh Newman, Mike Mazzeo, Tim Bontemps, Rod Boone, Devin Kharpertian and Stefan Bondy.

• Brook probable for Nets' tilt with Pistons - Rod Boone - Newsday
• Lopez Listed As Probable Against Pistons, Return Imminent - Josh Newman - SNY
• Lopez probable for Nets tonight; Stack out - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• Lawrence Frank talks Jason Kidd, Barclays - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
  
• Lopez Hopes to Play Friday Night - Zach Schonbrun - New York Times
• Nets vs. Pistons - Game 22 (Video) - Ben Couch - Brooklyn Nets
• ‘Bittersweet’ Return - Keith Langlois - Detroit Pistons