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Brook Lopez "doubtful" for Opening Night

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Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Brook Lopez participated in the non-contact portion of the Nets final preseason practice, but afterwards, the team listed the 7-footer as "doubtful" for Opening Night.  A final decision will be made Wednesday in Boston, where the Nets take on the Celtics at 7:30 p.m.  Lopez was diagnosed with a mild midfoot sprain on his return from China and proscribed a 10-to-14 day rest. Thursday is Day 14.

With Lopez doubtful, Lionel Hollins said the team would go with Mason Plumlee, who started 22 games last season, at center with Kevin Garnett playing the four. Hollins wouldn't speculate about Lopez's chances.

"I have no idea," Hollins said. "We have to wait."  As for why he wouldn't start Mirza Teletovic at PF and Garnett at center, Hollins wouldn't go into details. "That's the way I wanna do I," he said.

With Plumlee starting at the five last season, the Nets were 16-6.  Hollins has made no secret of his intention of playing Plumlee at center, either as Lopez's back-up or replacement.

"It's two different players," guard Deron Williams said of Plumlee "Mason’s not as much of a post up threat as Brook is, but Brook can’t run the floor like Mase. So we’ll be able to get out and run a little bit more I think, still run some pick and rolls with Mase. He’s still a good screener and great finisher around the basket. He’s just not as skilled and not a vet like Brook."

Billy King has said that if Lopez can't play vs. the Celtics, he expects he'll play either vs. the Pistons in Detroit on Friday or vs. the Thunder in the home opener Monday.

Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo is a game time decision for the Celtics Wednesday.  Brad Stevens asked Rondo what to tell the media about his chances of playing. He replied, "83 percent."

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