Joe Johnson was on the court, shooting jumpers and testing his sore left heel before the Jazz game, as Rod Boone recorded and noted in a tweet. It was the first time he did that since sitting down a week and four games ago.
After the game, he told Boone and the other beat writers that he was making progress and hoped for a return Wednesday vs. the Cavaliers
"I felt good," he told the writers when asked about the pre-game shootaround. "I'm able to cut and kinda get up and down the floor, and kinda be pain free to an extent. So we're just working, trying to stay on top of it. We'll see how it feels after workouts."
He admitted four games off haven't been easy, particularly on such a tough road trip. Still,e he's hopeful.
"It's very frustrating man. Seeing the guys go to war and be a little short-handed but we'll get back at it. We'll string us some wins together, get a streak started before the end of this regular season, going into the playoffs."
Asked about a return this week, he added, "That's what we're pushing for. We'll take these next couple of days off and I'll still be in the gym working getting back healthy and we'll see how it goes.
Specifically, he answered yes when asked, "plans for Wednesday?"
Meanwhile, P.J. Carlesimo said before the Jazz game that both Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace are "pretty dinged up."
- Nets' Lopez playing 'at less than 100 percent' - Tim Bontemps - New York Post