With 5th seed likely, Nets rest guards, but Deron Williams says he’ll play

The Nets have locked themselves into no better than fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs — they’re 91% odds to end at fifth, according to playoff tracking website Sport Club Stats — and as a result, they’re looking down the stretch to rest some minor injuries.

The Nets have already ruled out two players in anticipation of Sunday night’s game against the Orlando Magic: starting guard Shaun Livingston and backup guard Alan Anderson, who both missed Friday night’s 93-88 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Livingston will miss his third straight game with a sprained right big toe injury, while Anderson will miss his second straight with a sore abdominal muscle. Anderson warmed up prior to Friday night’s loss and was a late scratch from the rotation after feeling discomfort in his abdomen. Neither Livingston nor Anderson practiced Saturday.

The Nets played without Livingston, Anderson, and starting point guard Deron Williams (right patella tendinitis) Friday night. Williams told reporters at today’s practice that he plans to play Sunday. In addition, Nets center Andray Blatche was a DNP-CD (Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision) after missing two games in Florida with an undisclosed illness.