Sundiata

Gaines

D-Will was a late scratch on Wednesday, but will make it only a one-game absence as he will return to the lineup against Washington. Sundiata Gaines will move back to the bench.

Yes, it was against the human sieve known as Mike Bibby, but Gaines could start the rest of the way, and should be given a close look in all leagues if Williams is shut down. He’s the only point guard standing in New Jersey.

This comes out of nowhere, although it doesn’t sound like anything too serious, and he should be back in the lineup on Friday when the Nets face the Wizards. Sundiata Gaines will start in his place against the Blazers.

This could be a very, very ugly game to watch. The Nets will dress just eight players, and Deron Williams enters free agency on somewhat of a sour note after a calf injury hampered him down the stretch. Sundiata Gaines will continue to start at point guard in Williams’ absence.

The Nets scored 67 points on the night and ensured that they will have the sixth-worst record heading into the draft. MarShon Brooks scored nine points on 4-of-17 shooting with four boards, one assist, and two steals, Gerald Green had 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting with five boards and a block, Johan Petro showed up to go for nine and 12, Armon Johnson (11 points, five assists) outplayed Sundiata Gaines (seven points, two assists), and Anthony Morrow hit three triples for 11 points.

Gaines scored two points with one rebound and one assist, and was a popular Roto league pickup for those seeking players likely to play big minutes. That clearly didn’t happen tonight, and backup Armon Johnson (10 points, two assists, 22 minutes) was the better play, if you want to call it that. MarShon Brooks also played some point guard, and ultimately Gaines is a gamble in Thursday’s finale.

Brooks played 34 minutes, including minutes backing up the point. Sundiata Gaines was limited to just 12 minutes tonight, and that offset the touches Gerald Wallace (39 minutes, 5-of-15 FGs) gets. We’re heading into Thursday’s finale assuming Wallace will play until we hear otherwise, and while this performance is encouraging there is still a hint of risk in using Brooks -- unless we learn the Nets are going to go young, as they should.

No surprise here. Coach Avery Johnson and Williams have both already hinted that the star point guard is almost certainly done for the season. He doesn’t want to risk any injuries or aggravations as he prepares for free agency this summer. Backup Sundiata Gaines has averaged 13.3 points, 5.3 assists, 2.0 3-pointers and 1.6 steals over the last three games.

This is the first we’ve heard of a toe injury for Gaines, and he must have come out of his last game with the soreness. New Jersey has arguably been bitten by the injury bug harder than any other team in the league. With Jordan Farmar ruled out through the All-Star break, Deron Williams would see all the minutes he could handle if Gaines is unable to go.

Even with Jordan Farmar (groin) sidelined, Gaines’ role remains limited. He’s averaging just 4.8 points in his last five games.