Nets' Kevin Garnett, Andrei Kirilenko Could Return Within Week

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Two key pieces should be back soon.

The Brooklyn Nets say Kevin Garnett is hoping to return from a back injury next weekend or during their trip to Florida on April 8-9.

Also, Andrei Kirilenko is progressing from his sprained left ankle and is hoping to return in the middle of next week, the Nets said before their game against Minnesota on Sunday.

Garnett has missed 16 straight games with back spasms, last playing Feb. 27 in a victory at Denver. The Nets have games next Friday and Saturday nights, then visit Miami on April 8 and Orlando the following night.

Coach Jason Kidd has said he doesn't think it's necessary that Garnett plays again in the regular season and would be fine if the veteran's next appearance is in the playoffs.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)