Brook Lopez has lower back strain, will NOT play Monday vs. Cavaliers

Brook Lopez has been getting back into basketball shape this season. After reconstructive foot surgery in January, it was expected that there'd be a bit of a learning curve for the Nets big man to get back into top form. Well, it isn't his foot, but Lopez now may have another injury, a back injury.

#Nets say Brook Lopez went for an MRI on his back. Injured it before practice.

— Rod Boone (@rodboone) December 7, 2014

Hollins said he didn't even see Brook today. Said #Nets were out warming up when trainer Tim Walsh told him they were taking him for MRI.

— Rod Boone (@rodboone) December 7, 2014

Kevin Garnett, who dealt with back spasms last year that cost him a good portion of the season during the spring, noted that the Nets must be cautious when dealing with back issues.

Brook's status for tomorrow's game vs. #Cavs is unknown at this point. KG admitted "there is concern" anytime you are dealing with the back.

— Rod Boone (@rodboone) December 7, 2014

The Nets did not release any more information although one source said the MRI results could be available in a few hoours.  No word about Lopez's status for Monday night's gamet against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

No official word yet on Lopez’s availability for tomorrow against the Cavs. #Nets

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) December 7, 2014

Also, Joe Johnson was out of practice Sunday. The Nets said that he was dealing with a stomach virus. Andrei Kirilenko (personal) was also out of practice.

UPDATE: Brook Lopez will NOT play on Monday against the Cavaliers, according to the Nets. Johnson, though, is listed as "probable."

Nets say Brook Lopez has a lower back strain and that he'll be re-evaluated in one week.

— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) December 7, 2014

Lopez will not play vs the Cavaliers on Monday. Joe Johnson has a stomach virus and is probable for Monday.

— Tom Lorenzo (@TomLorenzo) December 7, 2014

Lopez will miss games against Cleveland, Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte at a minimum.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 7, 2014

• Brook Lopez of Brooklyn Nets to have MRI on injured back - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• With Lopez out, Nets need to experiment - Mike Mazzeo - ESPN New York
• Brook Lopez out at least 4 games for Nets with back strain - Stefan Bondy - New York Daily News
• Clock has started to decide Brook Lopez’s future with Nets - Tim Bontemps - New York Post
• Brook Lopez to miss time with back strain - Ryan Carbain - The Brooklyn Game