NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets swingman Joe Johnson will return to the lineup following a two-game absence due to the flu, the team announced prior to Friday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center.
Power forward Kevin Garnett, who has a sore left foot, will also play. Reserve shooter Mirza Teletovic (right hip pointer) remains out, as does center Brook Lopez (strained lower back). Nets GM Billy King said the team would have an update on Lopez Monday.
The Nets will start point guard Deron Williams, shooting guard Sergey Karasev, Johnson, Garnett and center Mason Plumlee against the Sixers.
Cutting payroll: With their trade of Andrei Kirilenko, Brooklyn’s payroll dropped to $91 million and their total with payroll and luxury taxes adds up to about $118 million. So in essence they saved about $12 million in payroll and luxury taxes by shedding Kirilenko’s $3.3 million wage off their books. Previously the Nets were at $94 million and $130 million.
