No injury concerns for Brook Lopez, just rest

The Brooklyn Nets returned from the west coast with a 1-9 record, and Brook Lopez did not practice on Monday. Uh-oh, right? Well, not necessarily.

The team announced that Lopez did not practice on Monday because of rest and not because there were any concerns about injuries, in particular to his oft-injured foot.

From the always thorough Andy Vasquez:

"I feel good," Lopez said this afternoon. "I’m ready to go. I’m just happy to be able to be out there and contribute."

Lopez didn’t play in the fourth quarter of a Nov. 7 loss to the Bucks because of a sore right foot. Any problem with that foot is a concern, considering Lopez has had three surgeries on it since December of 2011. But X-rays were negative, and Lopez sat out two days of practice before the team embarked on its trip to Houston, Sacramento and Golden State.

This is the Nets are playing "better" basketball, though their record remains among the worst in the NBA. Still, without a healthy Lopez the dim light ahead would be instantly blacked out. He's too important to this team for him to miss any time.

The Nets play again on Tuesday night at home against the Atlanta Hawks.

• Practice report: Brook Lopez rests - Andy Vasquez -  NorthJersey.com