Andrei Kirilenko will NOT play tonight against the Bucks

Andrei Kirilenko had told ESPN's Mike Mazzeo on Monday that he was targeting either the Christmas Day game or tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks for his return. He did not play on Wednesday against the Bulls, obviously, and now will not play tonight when the Nets suit up against the Bucks.

Kirilenko (back) is out vs. #Bucks. #Nets

— Alex Raskin (@alexraskinNYC) December 27, 2013

Of course there was plenty of buzz surrounding his return yesterday when Kirilenko went on Nets fan Zac Cullen Instagram and commented that he was going to play tonight against the Bucks.

AK47 says on Instagram that he's playing in tomorrow's game: #Nets pic.twitter.com/QDHEtqwwuI

— The Brooklyn Game (@TheBKGame) December 27, 2013

Now, we learn that Kirilenko isn't playing, and as Net Income points out, it's "not his decision." So, we continue to wait for Kirilenko's return, as Nets fans haven't seen him in action since November 8th.

Is it possible he'll play on the road when they head to Indiana, San Antonio and Oklahoma City after tonight's game?

Kidd said AK47 likely won't make the roadtrip #Nets

— Mike Mazzeo (@MazzESPN) December 27, 2013

Well, it doesn't seem so.

• Kirilenko out vs. Bucks on Friday - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• Jason Kidd's message to Brooklyn Nets was 'we have to fight' - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York