Brooklyn Nets tightening rotation as San Antonio Spurs short-handed

P.J. Carlesimo wasn't too happy about his bench production Friday night vs. the Wizards and said the issue needed a new look.

"We’ve just got to look at it, because it seems like it’s been a recurring problem," he said, post-game. "We can’t dig that big a hole. I don’t know. We just have to examine it a little bit better, and just come out Sunday and say, ‘I hope we play good, I hope these guys play good.’ It’s not working right now."

Tim Bontemps reported that Carlesimo admitted that he needs to see more of Mirza Teletovic before making an assessment of how he can help the team.

Asked whether he’d gotten a complete look at everyone on the roster in his six weeks since taking over, Carlesimo responded, “Other than Mirza, yes. [Kris Humphries] not as much recently, but I have a comfort factor in what Hump’s capable of doing. But I think with Mirza, we’re still trying to find out.

“Everyone else has played enough to have an expectation of what they can or can’t do. I think we’re still not there with Mirza.”

Rod Boone tweeted after Sunday's shootaround that "Sounds like he's thinking about tightening the rotation and inserting starters back in sooner." That would mean more minutes for Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, who are already among the league leaders in minutes. Of the top 25 in minutes per game, Williams ranks 23rd, Johnson 12th. In total minutes, Williams is 18th, Johnson sixth. Other than Kobe Bryant, Johnson is the oldest player in the per minutes top 25.

The Nets will get a bit of a break. Greg Popovich said that Tim Duncan (knee) and Manu Ginobili (hamstring) are doubtful for the Nets. Both have been playing off-and-on in recent days. Expect Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard to take up a lot of the scoring load. For the Nets, Tornike Shengelia will be returning to the team after a mild concussion suffered in his second game in Springfield earlier this month. Jerry Stackhouse (knee) is also likely. C.J. Watson who has an undisclosed illness, is a game-time decision.

• Nets' Carlesimo wants more Mirza - Tim Bontemps - New York Post