Nets' Johnson Hints At 'Possible' Lineup Change

NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- During a Thursday morning interview with WFAN's Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts, Nets head coach Avery Johnson said there could "possibly" be a lineup change before New Jersey's tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Nets are trying to stop a five-game overall losing streak. A loss to Dallas would extend New Jersey's road losing streak to nine games.

"There could possibly be a change... you'll see once we get out on the court," Avery said.

Johnson spent three-plus seasons coaching the Mavericks, going 194-70 in the regular season and 23-24 in the playoffs.

"There's going to be some emotions tied in this game," Johnson said. "Once the game starts we'll continue to do what we've been doing, and that's try to grow and develop our young guys, try to get better, and try to give ourselves a chance to win."

Johnson had some encouraging words for struggling young center Brook Lopez.

"Brook, he's had some big games for us this year, and he's in a totally different system," said the Nets' head coach. "We're asking him to do a lot. He's learning some new techniques."

The Nets recalled swingman Terrence Williams from the NBA Development League earlier this week. Williams was sent down last month, after some lateness violations and other disagreements with the club.

"Terrence came back to us [Wednesday] and had a good practice, we had a good talk before practice," Johnson explained. "He's going to come out on the court, he'll be in the rotation tonight. I'm not sure how many minutes he's going to play, but he knows what we need him to do and he's willing to do it. That's what we want."

LISTEN: Avery Johnson with Joe & Evan